1956 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 218 kg more than 1956 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Escort | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
