2008 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 82 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.1 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
