1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 254 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
