1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (84 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 175 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 Polo (132 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
