Officially there was not a Mk5 Cortina, instead Ford called it the Cortina 80, but most people know it as the former. Obvious differences included different headlights, indicators, slated grille and larger rear light clusters.

Trim levels were base, L, GL and Ghia in addition to special editions - crusader, carousel and Huntsman (Estate Only). Body styles were estate, 4 & 2 door saloons (1300(L)/1600 only). S Versions were also available for L, GL and Ghia models which included updated suspension, Driving lamps, Sports steel wheels, Tachometer and Recaro seats (optional). With the arrival of the Mk5 the S model was dropped, and became an option pack.

By 1982 the last Cortina rolled off the production lines which signaled the end of an era, and the arrival of the Sierra.

Cortina 80 modifications from mk4

1 Viscous coupled thermostatic fan	7 Plastic bumper end caps
2 Variable venturi carburettor	8 Improved corrosion protection(!)
3 Improved heating/ventilation	9 Redesigned seats
4 New style headrests	10 Revised spring settings
5 Enlarged glass area	11 Wrap around front indicators
6 Wrap around tail lights withintegral fog lights (Saloons only)	12 Deepended front spoiler