1990 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 18 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 301 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
