1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 40 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 104 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Cortina | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 35 L |
