2008 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 95 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
