1986 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 13 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Fusca (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Fusca should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 5 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca.
Because 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Fusca (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Fusca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1999 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
