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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 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 259 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 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 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. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
