1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Exige |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
