1978 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 35 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), 2013 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 502 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | GTI |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
