1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra is newer by 37 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Spectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Spectra (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Spectra weights approximately 340 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, 2009 Kia Spectra, 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, 2009 Kia Spectra (136 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Spectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Cortina | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
