1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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), 1986 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 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 207 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 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 | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
