1978 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
