1998 BMW 325 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 47 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus.
Because 1998 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 325 (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1387 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
