1998 Ford Focus vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 434 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
