1987 BMW 324 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 324 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 324 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 1987 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 324 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2400 mm |
