1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 165 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
