1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 38 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 545 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, 2011 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 125 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 53 L |
