1989 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas
To start off, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is newer by 10 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas weights approximately 870 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas (394 Nm) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (110 Nm). This means 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Escort | Vanden Plas |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3000 mm |
