1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1990 Toyota MR2 is newer by 18 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Toyota MR2 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 131 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, 1990 Toyota MR2 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Cortina | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
