1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 500 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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 Ford Cortina (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Europa |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
