How much horsepower does a Ford Cortina have?

The Ford Cortina, a popular mid-sized car produced from 1962 to 1982, had a range of engine options that provided varying levels of horsepower. Depending on the specific model and year, the Ford Cortina could have anywhere from around 50 to over 100 horsepower.

Engine Options and Horsepower Figures

The Ford Cortina was available with a variety of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines throughout its production run. Some of the key engine options and their typical horsepower ratings include:

• 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine: 50-60 horsepower


• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine: 70-80 horsepower


• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine: 90-100 horsepower


• 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine: 100-110 horsepower

The exact horsepower figures could vary slightly depending on the specific model year, transmission, and other factors. However, these ranges provide a general idea of the engine power available in the Ford Cortina.

Factors Affecting Horsepower

The horsepower of a vehicle is influenced by several factors, including the engine displacement, the number of cylinders, the design of the engine components, and the tuning and modifications made to the engine. In the case of the Ford Cortina, the larger-displacement engines, such as the 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter units, naturally produced more horsepower than the smaller 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter engines.

Additionally, the Cortina's horsepower could be further enhanced through various modifications and tuning, such as upgrading the carburetor, installing a high-performance camshaft, or adding a turbocharger. These modifications were often undertaken by enthusiasts and aftermarket tuning shops to extract more power from the Cortina's engines.

Conclusion

The Ford Cortina was available with a range of engine options that provided varying levels of horsepower, typically ranging from around 50 to over 100 horsepower. The specific horsepower figures depended on factors such as engine displacement, the number of cylinders, and any modifications or tuning performed on the engine. Understanding the horsepower capabilities of the Cortina's engines can help provide context for the car's performance and its place in the automotive landscape of its era.

What is the top speed of the Ford Cortina 1600E?

The 1600E is fitted with the high-performance version of the 1600cc cross flow engine with a higher compression ratio so producing 93bhp at 5400rpm, as fitted to the GT. This gives a top speed of 96mph and 0-60 in 11.8 seconds.

What engine was in the Ford Cortina?

The Ford Cortina was available with a range of engines throughout its production, from the early 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter overhead valve (OHV) pre-crossflow Kent engines to later 1.6-liter crossflow engines and even larger V6 and Twin-Cam options for specific markets and performance versions. The most common engines were four-cylinder designs, but the engine choice varied significantly by model year and region, with some South American models featuring the 3.0-liter Essex V6.
 
You can watch this video to see a modified Cortina with a Cosworth YB engine: 1mMOTOR ADDICTSYouTube · Jul 27, 2025
Early Cortina (Mark I)

• 1.2L (1198cc) & 1.5L (1498cc): These were the original engines, an enlarged version of the Anglia's 997cc engine. The 1.5L was available in two forms: a standard version and a more powerful GT version tuned for more horsepower.
• Engine Type: Both were 4-cylinder pushrod (OHV) pre-crossflow units, meaning the inlet and exhaust ports were on the same side of the cylinder head.
• GT Version: This performance-tuned 1.5L engine featured a different camshaft, a revised cylinder head, larger ports, and a Weber twin-choke carburetor. 

Later Cortina Models

• 1.3L, 1.6L: Later models introduced engines like the 1.3L and 1.6L. Some 1.6L versions used the "Pinto" engine, a more modern design that replaced earlier pre-crossflow units. 
• 1.6L Crossflow: Later 1600E and GT models received a high-performance version of the 1600cc crossflow engine, which had a higher compression ratio. 
• Twin-Cam: Lotus-tuned versions featured a 1.6L Twin-Cam engine, which was available in the Lotus Cortina Mk1 and Mk2. 
• 3.0L Essex V6: Some South African models, including the XLE, used a 3.0-liter V6 engine from the Zodiac. 
• Inline Sixes: Australian models in the 1970s received 200ci and 250ci inline six-cylinder engines from the local Ford Falcon. 

You can watch this video to learn about a Ford Cortina with a 2.0L Zetec engine: 1mTwin Engine CorsaYouTube · Dec 16, 2024

What is the value of a Ford Cortina today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,700 for a 1965 Ford Cortina Mk I in good condition with average spec.

Did Ford make a V8 Cortina?

Ford Australia's product planners gave consideration to a TC Cortina V8. While it didn't follow through on bringing this car to life, one enthusiast has.