1956 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 57 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 559 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Escort | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
