1978 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (49 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Escort weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 1971 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Polo | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Polo | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1093 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2400 mm |
