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 (145 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 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 306 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 (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
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 | 1797 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
