2002 Ford Escape vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Escape. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Escape would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Escape (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Escape weights approximately 174 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Escape 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Escape | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escape | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| 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 | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
