1997 BMW 318 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 535 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
