1980 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 27 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 425 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.
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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
