2004 Ford Focus vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 1 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
Because 2001 BMW Z3 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 2001 BMW Z3. 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Focus | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
