1978 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 22 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 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, 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
