1975 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. Both 1975 Ford Escort and 2008 Volkswagen Golf are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 230 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
