1990 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
