1990 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 496 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2578 mm |
