1977 Datsun 280 vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, both 1977 Datsun 280 and 1977 Ford Cortina were released in the same year (1977). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280 (125 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Datsun 280 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1977 Datsun 280 (197 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 1977 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1977 Datsun 280 has manual transmission. 1977 Datsun 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Datsun 280 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Datsun | Ford |
| Model | 280 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
