1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Ford Focus

To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 393 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (166 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.

Compare all specifications:

1996 BMW 540 2005 Ford Focus
Make BMW Ford
Model 540 Focus
Year Released 1996 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4397 cc 1796 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 282 HP 123 HP
Engine RPM 5400 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 440 Nm 166 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 92 mm 83 mm
Engine Stroke Size 82.7 mm 83.1 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 11.0:1
Top Speed 250 km/hour 195 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 6.3 seconds 10.8 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1815 kg 1422 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 4340 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1610 mm
Wheelbase Size 2830 mm 2650 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 12.6 L/100km 7.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 53 L