1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 520 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.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Cortina | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Cortina | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 407 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4636 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2031 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1429 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |