1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 70 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2480 mm |
