1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 10 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 146 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
