2009 BMW 550 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 516 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 550 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 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1988 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
