1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2009 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
