1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 17 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 660 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Microbus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1998 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
