2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Holden Commodore (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Holden Commodore weights approximately 644 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. 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 Holden Commodore (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1998 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Focus | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2950 mm |
