1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (79 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 127 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
