1986 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 120 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
