1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 BMW Z4
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 35 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW Z4 weights approximately 281 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.
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, 2007 BMW Z4 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2007 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2007 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
