1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 36 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 36 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
