1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 11 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 202 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
