1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1999 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 23 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 45 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
