1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1958 Ford Escort
To start off, 1972 Ford Cortina is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1958 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 227 kg more than 1958 Ford Escort. 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, 1972 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1958 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 31 L |
