1998 Ford Focus vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 454 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 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester 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, 2011 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2011 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Forester |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
