1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 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, 2009 BMW 325 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2009 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Cortina | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
