1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 26 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 2,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 370 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
