1977 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (101 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1395 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
