1972 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
