1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 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), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 48 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
