1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Ford Focus (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Focus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
