1983 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 45 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
