1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 25 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 24 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
