2002 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (170 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 164 kg more than 2002 Ford Focus. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Focus. (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1256 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
