1981 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 54 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
