2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 32 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 2,428 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 566 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, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 54 L |
