1996 Renault Safrane vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 415 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane, 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 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 1977 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Safrane has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Safrane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | Safrane | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
