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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2004 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1994 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
