1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 508 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, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 62 L |
