2004 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura RL weights approximately 377 kg more than 2004 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, 1997 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Focus | RL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
