2001 Buick Century vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2001 Buick Century is newer by 29 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Buick Century weights approximately 476 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, 2001 Buick Century, 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, 2001 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2001 Buick Century 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. 2001 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Buick Century | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 87 L |
