1998 BMW 325 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina

To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 26 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 342 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, 1998 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1998 BMW 325 1972 Ford Cortina
Make BMW Ford
Model 325 Cortina
Year Released 1998 1972
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2494 cc 1298 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 170 HP 56 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 245 Nm 91 Nm
Torque RPM 3950 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 63 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 9.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1386 kg 1044 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4280 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2590 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 52 L 87 L