2003 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2006 Subaru Outback is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Outback (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Outback weights approximately 359 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback 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, 2006 Subaru Outback (339 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2006 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Outback |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
