2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 418 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 M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
