1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1972 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 GMC Suburban 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, 1972 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1972 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 1972 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Cortina | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3300 mm |
