1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 2,226 cc (5 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (136 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 255 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. 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, 1986 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
