1983 BMW 325 vs. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina
To start off, 1983 BMW 325 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 325 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus 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, 1983 BMW 325 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 325 | 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Lotus Cortina |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
