1987 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1987 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Escort | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
