1998 Ford Focus vs. 2010 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Maxima is newer by 12 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 502 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.
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, 2010 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2010 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
