1979 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 494 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2651 mm |
