1982 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | W12 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
