1978 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 178 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 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
