1998 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 210 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 1998 BMW 320 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 320. 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
