1978 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 692 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Escort | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1567 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4775 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1821 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1516 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |