1999 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 760 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | Element |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
