1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 41 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 415 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Ford Cortina | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Beetle |
Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4277 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |