1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 325. 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, 2009 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2009 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 325 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
