1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Cortina | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2537 mm |