1990 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 275 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
