Car Prices Blogs


Car Price Comparison: Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra

April 30th, 2012

We will now make a comparison between the Ford Focus and the Hyundai Elantra, two of the best compact cars that money that can buy.

You might be asking yourself: why choose the Focus and the Elantra, and not include the equally talented Chevy Cruze, Mazda 3, or Honda Civic into the mix?

There are two reasons for this:

1. There is no doubt that the Ford Focus changed the way on how people will perceive a compact car. The Focus has the kind of road behavior that can only come from the best European marquees. We are not saying that the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mazda 3 is inferior in terms of the Focus (the Mazda 3 is related to the Ford Focus, after all), but there is no question that the Focus is still the benchmark when it comes to designing and engineering a modern compact car; and

2. The Hyundai Elantra managed to overtake the competition when it comes to styling and perceived value. It also happens that the Elantra is one of the newer entrants in the compact department (we wanted to include the Dodge Dart but we will do that in the near future.)

The Ford Focus (especially in hatchback form) can attend to the needs of the young and the “young-at-heart”. Strangely enough, the same can be said for the Hyundai Elantra–albeit with a lower price tag.

Engine and Powertrain

The Focus is powered by a stout 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 160hp. This engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a high-tech 6-speed dual clutch automatic. The Hyundai Elantra is motivated by a smaller 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that produces 148hp (145hp in California models). The engine can be controlled via a 6-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The Focus can deliver more linear acceleration than the Elantra, with the Focus reaching 0 to 60 MPH in 8.7 seconds, compared to the Elantra which completes 0 to 60 MPH in a decent 9.4 seconds

Fuel Economy

The Focus achieves an average of 38mpg to 40mpg in highway driving. The Hyundai Elantra can easily achieve 40mpg in highway driving.

Equipment Levels

The Focus comes equipped with air-conditioning, keyless entry, power accessories, and a 4-speaker audio system in base S trim. The Hyundai Elantra gets more standard equipment for the price, including a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a trip computer, full power accessories, and keyless entry.

Safety

Both the Ford Focus and the Hyundai Elantra were named into the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Both cars managed to garner the highest score of ‘Good’ in front-offset, side-impact, and roof integrity tests.

Price

This is perhaps one of the brightest merits of the Hyundai Elantra, as it starts at only around $16,695. In the meantime, the Focus starts at around $18,300.

Choose the Ford Focus is you want a spacious and fun-to-drive compact car with solid on-road dynamics. The Hyundai Elantra is the best choice if you are looking for an economical, safe, and stylish city car.