1998 BMW 318 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 12 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 485 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 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
