Focus I vs 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2: which is better?
Ford Focus I (1998–2005) vs Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 (1997–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus I
Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2Specifications
| Ford Focus I | Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1998–2005 | 1997–2013 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Zetec | 1.6 8V |
| Power, up to | 100 hp | 81 hp |
| Torque, up to | 145 Nm | — |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 152 mm | 4 122 mm |
| Width | 1 702 mm | 1 650 mm |
| Height | 1 481 mm | 1 402 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 615 mm | 2 460 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 165 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 43 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Focus I
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2
Pros
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VAZ (1.5–1.6): timing belt failure: bends valves on some engines
- Small tank: 43 L
Engine (VAZ (1.5–1.6)): timing belt snapping: bends valves on some engines; sensor and thermostat failures; valve cover leak.
Which one to choose
- Focus I — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Focus I or 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2?
Focus I: up to 100 hp, 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2: up to 81 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus I — about 13 675 ₸, 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.