1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Rover 600
To start off, 1996 Rover 600 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 1,850 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 600 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 600 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 600 weights approximately 211 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 Rover 600, 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 Rover 600 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1996 Rover 600 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Cortina | 600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1850 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 89.3 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 | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
