1999 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 114 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1999 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Polo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
