1977 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 174 kg more than 1977 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
