2003 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 9 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 208 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.
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 Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
