1981 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1981 BMW 518 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 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (138 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 518 | Escort |
Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 106 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |