1957 Ford Escort vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volkswagen 1302 (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Escort weights approximately 61 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1302.
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, 1972 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Escort | 1972 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
