1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 200 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
