1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1972 Ford Cortina is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 186 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356.
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, 1956 Porsche 356 (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Cortina | 356 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 52 L |
