1988 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 290 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 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
