1978 Ford Escort vs. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 16 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 264 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. 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, 1994 Volkswagen New 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, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm). This means 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
