2004 BMW 535 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 24 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 980 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 2004 BMW 535 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 535. 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, 2004 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2004 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
