1996 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 300 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
