1975 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 Ford Escort is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 55 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
