1975 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 37 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 446 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | GTI |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
