1980 Ford Cortina vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, both 1980 Ford Cortina and 1980 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1980). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Cortina weights approximately 82 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.

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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Ford Cortina 1980 Volkswagen Passat
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Cortina Passat
Year Released 1980 1980
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1294 cc 1588 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 59 HP 85 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 92 Nm 126 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3200 RPM
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 920 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4270 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1620 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 45 L