1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 9 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 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 230 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1979 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1970 Ford Cortina | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |