1978 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 456 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
