1973 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 653 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
