1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 13 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 86 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.
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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Ford Cortina | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Cortina | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |