1979 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 673 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
