1959 BMW 700 vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Orion weights approximately 250 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1986 Ford Orion (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 700 | Orion |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 126 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
