1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 17 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 1 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 328 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Focus (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1242 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
