1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,801 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (235 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 1970 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2801 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2590 mm |
