1996 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, 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, 1996 Audi A3 (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Audi A3 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Audi | Ford |
Model | A3 | Cortina |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 86 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 141 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1110 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |