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Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf?

2K views 37 replies 30 participants last post by  Lecale 
#1 ·
I never thought I would say this but the 2005 ZX3 and ZX5 are pretty nice and peppy little cars. I was really shocked on the torque of the Focus after test driving the Civic, Corolla and Golf.
For some strange reason I feel more comfortable buying a Ford over a VW.





Modified by Jeff Peterson at 7:06 PM 5-22-2004
 
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#4 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (Sam1.8T)

Huh. U think a ford focus is nicer than an R32???

i'm at a loss of words... http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif

I still see an SVT in my mirror!!! focus that is!!!
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
 
#5 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (20th_Ann_GTi)

Quote, originally posted by 20th_Ann_GTi »
Huh. U think a ford focus is nicer than an R32???

i'm at a loss of words... http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif

I still see an SVT in my mirror!!! focus that is!!!
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Did I say R32? I meant stock Golf.
 
#9 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (crushkilldestroy)

Quote, originally posted by crushkilldestroy »
i'd take a 2004 focus over a golf, but i'd pass on the 2005. no more 2.3L.


Modified by crushkilldestroy at 3:10 AM 5-23-2004
Yeah, I thought that was a stupid move on Ford's behalf. But, you only lose 8 hp if you get the 2.0L in the 2005 model.
 
#10 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (Jeff Peterson)

Depends on engine choice.
But since you are in California, the Golf does not have the desirable TDI engine available, so that leaves only the underperforming 2.0L engine with 115hp and 24/31mpg. The 2005 Focus' 2.0L Duratec 20E gives 130hp and 26/35mpg; a leftover 2004 model in California would have a 2.3L engine with 148hp and 25/33mpg.
With the Focus, pick the options carefully. Side air bags with head protection are optional, and probably a good idea if you do a lot of driving in cities with red light runners. Tachometer is standard in only some versions, even with a manual transmission. If you prefer anti-lock brakes and/or traction control, those may be optional also.
 
#11 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (crushkilldestroy)

Quote, originally posted by crushkilldestroy »
i'd take a 2004 focus over a golf, but i'd pass on the 2005. no more 2.3L.


Modified by crushkilldestroy at 3:10 AM 5-23-2004

You still can get a 2.3l. However, its only found in the ZX4 ST, the pseudo-SVT replacement.
Glad I got my 2.3l in a cheap hatch while I could.
 
#12 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (tjl)

Quote, originally posted by tjl »
Depends on engine choice.
But since you are in California, the Golf does not have the desirable TDI engine available, so that leaves only the underperforming 2.0L engine with 115hp and 24/31mpg. The 2005 Focus' 2.0L Duratec 20E gives 130hp and 26/35mpg; a leftover 2004 model in California would have a 2.3L engine with 148hp and 25/33mpg.
With the Focus, pick the options carefully. Side air bags with head protection are optional, and probably a good idea if you do a lot of driving in cities with red light runners. Tachometer is standard in only some versions, even with a manual transmission. If you prefer anti-lock brakes and/or traction control, those may be optional also.
Actually you can get a TDI here. You are in California? Right?
Also the ZX5 SES comes with a 136 hp engine. The S and SE comes with the 130 hp engine.
 
#16 ·
I'd say a cautious yes, and it's not because I don't like the Golf (because I do) but the Ford can be had for less, has arguably better driving dynamics, and IIRC the Golf only offers the 2.0 and the TDI, and the diesel is only now available in the five door. The decision is very slim, however.
Some more practical reasons that come to mind if I were trying to decide between the two is that Ford has a huge dealer network, chances are most replacement parts will be a little cheaper and easier to find (as will the cost of the labor), and most independent mechanics wont throw a hissie if it's something as common as the Ford.
The Golf to me has a nicer interior and is a little bit better long distance car. It's more comfortable and even the base model is pretty well equipped. Golfs are usually discounted pretty good, have standard four wheel disc brakes with ABS, and they are very safe. If I'm not mistaken, they also have a better resale value.
In the end if I had to make the decision right now the Focus would get the nod. I've always liked the styling (a subjective matter anyway), and you can get the wagon with a five speed nowadays, which is nice IMO.
 
#18 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (Jeff Peterson)

Considering how vortexers go on and on about handling, I'd expect the poll results to be overwhelmingly in favor of the Ford. I'd probably only consider the SVT, but I don't think I'd ever consider the current Golf. Not even the R32, because I can find something I like more for that much money.
 
#20 ·
Re: Would you buy a new Focus over a Golf? (Jeff Peterson)

Quote, originally posted by Jeff Peterson »
Actually you can get a TDI here. You are in California? Right?

Unless something changed recently, the 2004 model only meets 45-state Tier II bin 10 limits, not California LEV-II limits needed for 2004. The 2003 and prior models met Tier I limits which were allowed in all 50 states through 2003. http://www.fueleconomy.gov lists the 2004 TDI engine cars' availability with the map of the US with California and the other CARB states left unshaded.
Also, all the VINs for Golfs listed in the inventory search on http://www.bayareavw.com have an L as the engine code. Somehow, I don't think Bay Area VW dealers are stocking only TDI engine cars.
Quote »
Also the ZX5 SES comes with a 136 hp engine. The S and SE comes with the 130 hp engine.

According to http://www.fordvehicles.com , the Duratec 20E with 130hp and PZEV emissions rating is listed as standard equipment for the 2005 Focus in the CARB states, and optional in the border states. Other states get the Duratec 20 with 136hp.


Modified by tjl at 10:13 PM 5-22-2004
 
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