1972 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1972 Ford Escort. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 499 kg more than 1972 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Escort. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
