1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Micra is newer by 36 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 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Micra (81 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Micra weights approximately 104 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, 2008 Nissan Micra, 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, 2008 Nissan Micra (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2008 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Micra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 46 L |
