1988 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 2 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1988 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. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
