1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 5 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
