1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTD is newer by 40 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 (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTD weights approximately 365 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTD, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2012 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | GTD |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
