1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 71 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
