2003 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 6 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 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 245 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 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus. 2009 Subaru Forester 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. 2009 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
