1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1982 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 205 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1982 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Golf. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1982 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
