1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 632 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
