1996 Ford Escort vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 15 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 2011 BMW 525 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 2011 BMW 525. 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2011 BMW 525 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. 2011 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
