2004 BMW 120 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 8 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 2004 BMW 120. 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 120 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
