2009 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Focus would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
