1980 BMW M5 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 351 kg more than 1974 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
