1968 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 45 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 629 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
