1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1973 Ford Cortina and 1973 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1973 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
