1971 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 18 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 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Escort weights approximately 31 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 774 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2340 mm |
