1996 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP) has 72 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 327 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1996 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
