1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 328 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
