1983 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 3 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 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 347 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 53.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 144 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
