1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 325 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 2011 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2011 BMW 325 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2011 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 325 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
