1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1988 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 16 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Mustang (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 210 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1988 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
