1956 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 45 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 853 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.
Because 1956 Ford Escort 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 1956 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Escort | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
