1986 Ford Escort vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 26 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 800 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Escort | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Escort | 520 |
Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 97 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |