1996 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 283 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Focus (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2008 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
