1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Nissan Primera
To start off, 1996 Nissan Primera is newer by 24 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Primera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Primera (148 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Primera should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Primera weights approximately 226 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, 1996 Nissan Primera, 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, 1996 Nissan Primera (181 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Primera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1996 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Primera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
