1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 36 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 49 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (123 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
