1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1987 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1987 Honda Prelude 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 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Honda Prelude (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Honda Prelude weights approximately 51 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, 1987 Honda Prelude, 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, 1987 Honda Prelude (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1987 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Cortina | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 38 L |
