1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 400 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
