1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 180 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 T5, 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 T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | T5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
