1996 BMW 545 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 BMW 545 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 545 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 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 545 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
