1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 479 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 221 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 | 895 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
