1981 BMW 528 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 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 84 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. 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 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (162 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 528 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
