1984 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1437 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
