1980 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1980 Ford Cortina is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Cortina weights approximately 197 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Volkswagen Golf (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Cortina | 1979 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Golf |
Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 92 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |