1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 71 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 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| 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 | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 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 |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
