2009 BMW 120 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 411 kg more than 1976 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 120 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
