1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 37 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, 2008 Ford Focus (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Focus (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2008 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. 2008 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
