2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 385 kg more than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Focus | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 42 L |
