1996 BMW 535 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 410 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 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
