1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1995 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 50 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina.
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, 1995 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 1995 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
