1968 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is newer by 10 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 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis (74 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis weights approximately 495 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.
Because 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis (136 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1978 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Iltis |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2110 mm |
