1998 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 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), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 91 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1998 Ford Focus (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.8 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
