1986 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 11 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 90 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 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 (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
