1997 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 35 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort.
Because 1975 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Polo (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 1975 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Polo | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Polo | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
