1980 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1986 Mercury Lynx is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercury Lynx (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 23 kg more than 1980 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1986 Mercury Lynx (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Cortina | 1986 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
