1987 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 252 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 318 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 1987 BMW 318. 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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 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:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
