1970 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 513 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 177 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 Weight | 785 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
