1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Honda Z
To start off, 1974 Honda Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina 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 32 more horse power than 1974 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 534 kg more than 1974 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Z, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1974 Honda Z | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Cortina | Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2010 mm |
