1999 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 491 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 1999 BMW 323 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 1999 BMW 323. 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1999 BMW 323 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. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
