2006 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 442 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.7 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
