1981 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
