1986 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 26 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 359 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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. 2012 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Polo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 228 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 | 910 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
