1986 Citroen CX vs. 1979 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1986 Citroen CX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 420 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen CX | 1979 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | CX | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 54 L |
