1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina weights approximately 180 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Lotus 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 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
