2008 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura RL weights approximately 568 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Focus is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Focus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1997 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Focus | RL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
