2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 225 kg more than 2009 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, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Focus | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
