2008 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 12 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 360 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 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 1996 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
