1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2011 Buick Lucerne is newer by 35 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Lucerne (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 778 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.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Buick Lucerne (390 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2011 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Cortina | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5161 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
