1975 BMW 315 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 315. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 315 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 315 (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 315 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 315 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 315 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 1975 BMW 315. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 315. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 315.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 315 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 315 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2400 mm |
