1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina.
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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 509 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 535 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
