1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 36 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 11 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda. 2012 Fiat Panda 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. 2012 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Cortina | Panda |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 30 L |
