1998 Ford Focus vs. 1999 Subaru Forester
To start off, 1999 Subaru Forester 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1999 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Subaru Forester weights approximately 311 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 1999 Subaru Forester (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1999 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Forester |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
