1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 25 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 164 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.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
