2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 178 kg more than 1999 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 1999 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Focus |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2620 mm |
