1968 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 506 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
