1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1976 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | M1 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 116 L |
