1978 Ford Escort vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 785 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 2010 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2010 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
