2004 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Outback. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Outback would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Outback (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Outback weights approximately 250 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.
Because 2003 Subaru Outback 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, 2003 Subaru Outback 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, 2003 Subaru Outback (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2003 Subaru Outback has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2003 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Outback |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
