1998 Ford Focus vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 1 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 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 47 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
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 Kia Elan (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Focus | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2260 mm |
