1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 534 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 114 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 637 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 728 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
