1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 78 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
