1971 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 75 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2480 mm |
