1985 Citroen CX vs. 1976 Ford Cortina

To start off, 1985 Citroen CX is newer by 9 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Citroen CX (168 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Citroen CX weights approximately 432 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1985 Citroen CX, 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, 1985 Citroen CX (300 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1985 Citroen CX 1976 Ford Cortina
Make Citroen Ford
Model CX Cortina
Year Released 1985 1976
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2500 cc 1993 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 168 HP 101 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 300 Nm 152 Nm
Torque RPM 3250 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 90.8 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92 mm 77 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 7.8:1 9.2:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1494 kg 1062 kg
Vehicle Length 4910 mm 4390 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 3100 mm 2590 mm