1984 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 361 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.

Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 Golf (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1984 Ford Escort 2008 Volkswagen Golf
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Escort Golf
Year Released 1984 2008
Body Type Hatchback Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1608 cc 1984 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 53 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 4700 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 201 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80.1 mm 82.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 80 mm 92.8 mm
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 870 kg 1231 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 4210 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2590 mm