1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 39 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 2,000 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1917 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 746 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan 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. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2919 mm |
