1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 405 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (286 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 62 L |
