2004 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 128 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic.
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 (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2630 mm |
