1998 Ford Laser vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 153 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
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, 2004 Ford Focus (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
