1989 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 385 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2008 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Focus |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2000 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2620 mm |
