1978 Ford Escort vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2890 mm |
