1996 Ford Escort vs. 1965 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1965 Ford Cortina. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 335 kg more than 1965 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1965 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
