1978 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Ford Escort
To start off, 1999 Ford Escort is newer by 21 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 546 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 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) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Escort. (178 Nm). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Escort. 1999 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1999 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1124 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
