1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
