2005 BMW 545 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 BMW 545 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 545 (326 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 545 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1974 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, 2005 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 545 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 545 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
