1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 620 kg more than 1973 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2002 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 68 L |
