2006 Ford Focus vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 547 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2006 Ford Focus (166 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
