1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 174 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 870 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 |
