1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
