1978 Ford Escort vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 600 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 Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2497 mm |
