1989 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Ford Focus

To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 826 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.

Compare all specifications:

1989 BMW 850 2009 Ford Focus
Make BMW Ford
Model 850 Focus
Year Released 1989 2009
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4988 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 12 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 296 HP 141 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 450 Nm 132 Nm
Torque RPM 4100 RPM 6000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84.1 mm 87.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 83.1 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.8:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1792 kg 966 kg
Vehicle Length 4790 mm 4490 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2740 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 90 L 70 L