2001 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Focus would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2001 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 214 kg more than 2001 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Ford Focus (386 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (371 Nm). This means 2001 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Focus | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
