1998 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 22 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (121 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 270 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 63 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
