1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 (73 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 165 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 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 Ford Cortina (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
