1996 BMW 325 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 BMW 325 is newer by 10 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 325 weights approximately 475 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 1996 BMW 325 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 1996 BMW 325. 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, 1996 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
