1980 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Golf 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 4 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 75 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1976 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
