1979 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 374 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
