2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 107 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1998 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
