2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Honda Accord

To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Accord weights approximately 35 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, 2009 Ford Focus (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 2009 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Ford Focus 1998 Honda Accord
Make Ford Honda
Model Focus Accord
Year Released 2009 1998
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2501 cc 1997 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 296 HP 131 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 410 Nm 178 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4800 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 9.5:1
Top Speed 232 km/hour 200 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 7 seconds 9.3 seconds
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1280 kg 1315 kg
Vehicle Length 4190 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 64 L