1984 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 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 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 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 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 120 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
