1962 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 162 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Cortina | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.1 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
