1996 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTD is newer by 16 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTD weights approximately 279 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2012 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | GTD |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
