1980 BMW M5 vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 311 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW M5 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 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
