1980 Ford Escort vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 33 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP) has 247 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 790 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 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 2013 BMW 1 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Ford Escort 2013 BMW 1 Series
Make Ford BMW
Model Escort 1 Series
Year Released 1980 2013
Body Type Station Wagon Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1116 cc 2979 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 49 HP 296 HP
Torque 84 Nm 407 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 74 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 65 mm 89 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 10.2
Top Speed 142 km/hour 240 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 860 kg 1650 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 4373 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1919 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1408 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2660 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 53 L