1984 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 90 kg more than 1984 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
