1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 455 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 320 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
