1988 BMW 524 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 16 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, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 137 kg more than 2004 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, 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 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:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 524 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
