1981 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 30 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 461 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 2011 BMW 120 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 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2670 mm |
