1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 32 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), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 68 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| 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 | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
