1957 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 53 kg more than 1957 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Escort | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
