2008 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 152 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. 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 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
