1970 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 560 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 70 L |
