1986 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 210 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volkswagen 1302 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Escort (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. (85 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1974 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
