1980 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (79 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 1968 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
