1986 Ford Escort vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 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), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
