1971 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 380 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Ford Escort | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Escort | Golf |
Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2480 mm |