1998 Ford Focus vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 71 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
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, 1998 Ford Focus (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.8 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
