2004 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 128 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 33 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
