1979 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 544 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (226 Nm) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
