1996 BMW 535 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 566 kg more than 1972 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 1610 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
