1979 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 541 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Escort | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1451 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |