1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (60 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 120 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
