1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 260 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2540 mm |
