1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1977 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1977 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 209 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1977 Ford Fiesta (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1977 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 34 L |
