1981 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 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. Both 1981 Ford Escort and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 252 kg more than 1981 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
