2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 37 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 301 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z4 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 87 L |
