1979 Ford Escort vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,131 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 115 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle (77 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm). This means 1961 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
