1980 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 33 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 458 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2537 mm |
