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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.
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 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
