2003 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 160 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 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (282 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 282 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
