1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1977 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 294 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Ford Cortina (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
