1982 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 406 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2580 mm |
