1988 BMW M5 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 823 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 M5 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 M5. 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
