1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP) has 35 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 100 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 89 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
