1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (95 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 456 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
