1956 BMW 503 vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 503 (138 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 503 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 1956 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1956 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 503 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
