2008 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2004 Ford Focus (251 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1757 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
