1989 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1700 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
