1981 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 16 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 66 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort.
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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
