1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 278 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
