1998 BMW 320 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 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 55 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2009 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, 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
