1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 39 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 698 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, 2011 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Cortina | IS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
