2003 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 5 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 212 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2008 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
