1968 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 504 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 62 L |
