1996 Ford Escort vs. 1975 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (74 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 40 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1975 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 56 HP |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
