1988 BMW 524 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 226 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (162 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 524 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
