1968 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 32 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 2,324 cc, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 497 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2324 cc |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1327 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
