1980 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Volkswagen Caddy
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Caddy is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Caddy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Caddy (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Caddy should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Caddy weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Caddy, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Caddy (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Caddy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1998 Volkswagen Caddy | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Caddy |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
