1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 620 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 68 L |
