1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina 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 36 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 283 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
