2004 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 387 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza 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, 2004 Ford Focus (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1997 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2530 mm |
