1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
