1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Passat 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. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 60 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
