1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 150 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
