1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Orion (78 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 94 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1984 Ford Orion (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Orion |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 87 L |
