1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 334 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| 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 | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
