1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Cortina weights approximately 150 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Ford Cortina | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 795 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |