1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Volkswagen Citi

To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Citi is newer by 35 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 1,421 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Citi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Citi (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Citi should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Citi weights approximately 279 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 2009 Volkswagen Citi, 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 Citi (124 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Citi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1974 Ford Cortina 2009 Volkswagen Citi
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Cortina Citi
Year Released 1974 2009
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1298 cc 1421 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 56 HP 83 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 124 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 76.7 mm
Engine Stroke Size 63 mm 77.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 945 kg 1224 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 3820 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1400 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1620 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2410 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 49 L