2006 BMW 550 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 10 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 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 2006 BMW 550 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 2006 BMW 550. 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
