1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
