1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1987 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 15 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 11 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1987 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
