1996 Audi A3 vs. 1980 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1980 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 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 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1980 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
