1979 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. 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, 1970 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
