2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Buick LaCrosse 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (200 HP) has 144 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 902 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, 2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2009 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2009 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LaCrosse | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 56 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 1946 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 87 L |
