2008 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina

To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1978 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW 320 1978 Ford Cortina
Make BMW Ford
Model 320 Cortina
Year Released 2008 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 148 HP 86 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 330 Nm 141 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 3500 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1680 kg 1110 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4380 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2580 mm


 

More Comparisons

Resources

Replacing Your Front Disc Brakes Made Simple: The Definitive DIY Guide
Replace the front disc brakes of your vehicle and save money on labour cost. Read this guide to learn how. [read more]
What to look for when buying a used/second hand car.
Diligence through every step of the buying process will help you find a reliable used car and avoid any unpleasant surprises. [read more]
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform an Oil Change on Your Car
One of the most effective ways of saving money on car maintenance is to change the oil yourself. [read more]