1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus, 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 1999 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2620 mm |
