2008 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 228 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.
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, 2012 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Focus | Forte |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 52 L |
