1985 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 50 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
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 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
