1973 BMW 3 vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 BMW 3 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 1973 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2400 mm |
