1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 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 (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 186 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 | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
