1998 Ford Focus vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 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 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 140 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2000 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. 2000 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
