1968 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster 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, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (67 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 125 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
