1957 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 55 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 583 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Escort. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1957 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1957 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
