1978 Ford Escort vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 34 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 475 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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 116 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 51 L |
