2008 Ford Focus vs. 1997 McLaren F1
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 539 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 1 kg more than 1997 McLaren F1.
Because 1997 McLaren F1 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 1997 McLaren F1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 524 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1997 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ford | McLaren |
| Model | Focus | F1 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
