1998 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 437 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1552 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
