1973 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 446 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, 2013 Volkswagen 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
