1985 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 218 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
