1982 Ford Escort vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 571 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 320 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 57 L |
