1989 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 483 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
