1996 BMW 528 vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 760 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1996 BMW 528 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 528 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
