1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 95 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
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, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Lotus Cortina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
