1968 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 75 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 1968 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1968 Ford Escort (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Ford Escort | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Escort | Passat |
Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 98 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |