2006 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Focus 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 3 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 430 kg more than 2008 Saturn Astra. 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 (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra. 2006 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 2008 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Focus | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 46 L |
