1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 17 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 44 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480.
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, 1989 Volvo 480, 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, 1989 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 480 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
