1981 Ford Escort vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 591 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 330 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 2009 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2009 BMW 330 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 330 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6650 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2770 mm |
