1974 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 326 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
