1978 Fiat Strada vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Fiat Strada is newer by 2 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Strada (60 HP) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Strada should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 180 kg more than 1978 Fiat Strada.
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, 1978 Fiat Strada, 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, both vehicles can yield 91 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Fiat Strada 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. 1978 Fiat Strada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Strada | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Strada | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 54 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
