1978 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 760 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 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 520 | Escort |
Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1751 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 910 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |