1971 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 41 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 595 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2578 mm |
