2006 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 103 kg more than 2006 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, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2830 mm |
