1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 143 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.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Cavalier (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 87 L |
