1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 40 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 870 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
