1988 BMW 535 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 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 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 1999 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
