2005 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 84 kg more than 2005 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
