2009 BMW 118 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Focus (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 118 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
