1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2009 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
