1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 126 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Exige |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 44 L |
