1998 BMW 323 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 18 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 697 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.
Because 1998 BMW 323 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 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 323 (246 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
