1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1281 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
