1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 37 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 264 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
