Segment: Compact
Production years: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
Ford U.K. and Ford Germany combined their forces under the new Ford of Europe name and jointly developed Cortina's third generation, and their efforts paid off.
Launched in 1970, the Cortina marked a turning point for the blue-oval brand in Europe. It was inspired by the Coca-Cola bottle design trendy in the U.S. and introduced new engines and technologies. It was available as a coupe, four-door sedan, and station-wagon to answer all the market's needs and, starting with 1972. It was Britain's best-selling car until 1976 when the Escort overtook it.
The boxy design of the Cortina MKII was gone, and the new look took its inspiration from the European Taunus model. Its curved lines over the front and rear fenders made the vehicle looks more muscular. While it wasn't longer than its predecessor, it featured a longer wheelbase, and it was 100 mm (4") wider. The rear windscreen was sloped more than before, and that led to a sportier look.
But it wasn't just a sportier exterior look. Inside, the carmaker installed a new dashboard and a raised area for the instrument panel. Depending on the engine size and trim level, the dials were either installed on a panel or scooped down in a binocular style. The carmaker mounted a panel on the center stack with other gauges in addition to the speedometer, tachometer, and clock. The interior room was adequate, thanks to its longer wheelbase than before.
Under the hood, Ford installed a wide range of engines, depending on the market. While the base model still featured the old 1.3-liter from its predecessor, there were a few new engines with overhead cams (OHC). Another significant improvement was on the comfort side, where the Cortina MK3 received a double-wishbone suspension.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 4MT RWD (68 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1298 cm3 |
Power: | 43 KW @ 5500 RPM 58 HP @ 5500 RPM 58 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 67 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 91 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 23 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155/80 R 13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 167.7 in (4260 mm) |
Width: | 67 in (1702 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56/56 in (1,422/1,422 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 101.6 in (2581 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.47 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2083 lbs (945 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22.6 mpg US (10.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 4MT RWD (69 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1599 cm3 |
Power: | 51 KW @ 5200 RPM 69 HP @ 5200 RPM 68 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 85 lb-ft @ 2600 RPM 115 Nm @ 2600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 92 mph (148 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155/80 R 13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 167.7 in (4260 mm) |
Width: | 67 in (1702 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56/56 in (1,422/1,422 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 101.6 in (2581 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.47 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2116 lbs (960 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 4MT RWD (99 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1993 cm3 |
Power: | 73 KW @ 5500 RPM 99 HP @ 5500 RPM 98 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 111 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 150 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 155/80 R 13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.7 in (4260 mm) |
Width: | 67 in (1702 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56/56 in (1,422/1,422 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 101.6 in (2581 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.47 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2205 lbs (1000 kg) |