1978 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 372 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
