1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 189 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2009 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. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
