1985 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 167 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 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 | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
