2008 Ford Focus vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Focus would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 163 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 1 Series 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 2011 BMW 1 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2011 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Focus | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 53 L |
