1980 Ford Escort vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 32 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 595 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 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
