1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 25 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), 2001 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 635 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, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
