1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1983 Volvo 240 is newer by 11 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 240 (122 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 266 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, 1983 Volvo 240 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 240 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2660 mm |
