1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 214 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 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. 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 Pontiac Solstice (353 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 49 L |
