1968 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 178 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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, 1983 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 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
