2005 Ford Escape vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Ford Escape is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Escape (124 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Escape weights approximately 195 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Escape (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Escape | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escape | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | 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 | 124 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
