2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 31 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (180 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 514 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (286 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1564 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 87 L |
