2008 Ford Focus vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 615 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 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Focus | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.7 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
