1985 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 520 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
