1996 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort 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 (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 191 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
