1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1995 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Polo. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 75 kg more than 1995 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1995 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Polo (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1995 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
