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, 2005 Ford Focus (136 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 272 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus.
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) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
