1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Cortina (56 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 340 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Ford Cortina | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Polo |
Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1043 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 39 HP |
Torque | 91 Nm | 74 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 59 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |