1986 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 475 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
