1985 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,226 cc (5 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (136 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 80 kg more than 1985 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, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
