1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (123 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 681 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.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (289 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 Ford Cortina | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Cortina | Taurus |
Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 263 HP |
Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 289 Nm | 337 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1821 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5154 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2868 mm |