1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 346 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
