1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 149 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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 Santana, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Santana |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
