1986 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 410 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
