1996 BMW 540 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 945 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 540 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 540. 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
