1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 206 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
