2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 370 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 1971 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Escort |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2400 mm |
