1998 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Ford Escape

To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 484 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.

Because 1998 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape, 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 Ford Escape (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 2009 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 BMW 320 2009 Ford Escape
Make BMW Ford
Model 320 Escape
Year Released 1998 2009
Body Type Sedan SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1951 cc 2975 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 134 HP 171 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6550 RPM
Torque 281 Nm 302 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 87.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 83.1 mm
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1450 kg 966 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1730 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Consumption 4.5 L/100km 9.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.7 L/100km 13.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.7 L/100km 11.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 62 L