1980 BMW M1 vs. 1959 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M1 weights approximately 599 kg more than 1959 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 1959 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2220 mm |
