Focus I vs Golf IV: which is better?
Ford Focus I (1998–2005) vs Volkswagen Golf IV (1997–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus ISpecifications
| Ford Focus I | Volkswagen Golf IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1998–2005 | 1997–2006 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Zetec | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 100 hp | 101 hp |
| Torque, up to | 145 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 152 mm | 4 149 mm |
| Width | 1 702 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Height | 1 481 mm | 1 444 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 615 mm | 2 511 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 55 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.
Volkswagen Golf IV
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Which one to choose
- Focus I — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
- Golf IV — if you care more about: power.
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 Golf IV?
Focus I: up to 100 hp, Golf IV: up to 101 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus I — about 13 675 ₸, Golf IV — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.