1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Cortina (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 275 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1976 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Cortina | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Cortina | Polo |
Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 55 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 725 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |