1963 BMW 502 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1972 Ford Cortina is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 502 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
