1986 Ford Escort vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 415 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 2009 BMW 318 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 2009 BMW 318. 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, 2009 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 318 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 63 L |
