1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 30 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 239 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Cortina | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 22 L |
