1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Escape weights approximately 445 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Escape |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1657 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
