1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 552 kg more than 1977 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, 2004 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 2004 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 320 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 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 |
