1986 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 25 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 475 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 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, 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 120 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
