1992 Ford Taurus vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1992 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 1992 Ford Taurus, 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, 1992 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Taurus | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2450 mm |
