1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 372 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
