1984 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 15 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 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 428 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
