1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 12 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), 1984 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Orion weights approximately 5 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina.
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, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1984 Ford Orion (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Orion |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1984 |
| 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 | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
