1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1457 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.5 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
