1998 Ford Focus vs. 2005 BMW 325
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2005 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2005 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2005 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Focus | 325 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
