1986 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 608 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
