1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Cortina weights approximately 125 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1971 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
