1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 372 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
