2005 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 596 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2005 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
