2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 33 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 5,670 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 1196 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2009 Chevrolet Impala 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. 2009 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5670 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
