1989 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
