2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 98 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 1976 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
