1975 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 36 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. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 275 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
