2008 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Subaru Legacy (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 62 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 1997 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Legacy. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1997 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Focus | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
