1986 Ford Escort vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 1997 BMW 730 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 730 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 1997 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1997 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 730 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
