1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Smart ForTwo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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 Smart ForTwo (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Cortina | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 33 L |
