1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 503 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 Nissan Maxima, 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 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2011 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
