1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1992 Ford Escort
To start off, 1992 Ford Escort is newer by 11 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Escort (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Escort weights approximately 124 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 Ford Escort, 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, 1992 Ford Escort (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1992 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1124 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
