2004 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
