1975 Ford Cortina vs. 1994 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 245 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Cortina | 1994 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
