1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 239 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 Sentra, 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 Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1353 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
