2008 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
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, 2008 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | V50 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
