Compare which is better: Corolla or Focus - the idea is quite interesting, since both cars are in a similar price category, have enough options, and are well adapted to Russian conditions. Before buying, any car enthusiast should compare several different brands and models in order to make the most right choice for himself.
For comparison, Ford Focus 3 and Toyota Corolla will be used; 2007 is the year of manufacture for both cars.
This choice is not accidental, since these are models that are most in demand in the secondary market, and by the age of ten, their price is not much different.
First impression
In terms of dynamics, cars differ little from each other. Japanese engines are traditionally more reliable, but their maintenance is more expensive, and Ford boasts a more modern design. Ford Focus three, even by modern standards, has a fairly stylish design. It looks harmonious, a little aggressive, while Toyota has more calm and rounded lines. The Toyota is smaller than the Focus, but not by much. It is worth noting that Ford has more ground clearance, which is better when driving on rough roads.
The performance of Ford's interior is more interesting, Toyota is not too pretentious. At the same time, the design looks simple, but tasteful. Sitting is quite comfortable in both cars, there is enough space in the back for tall passengers. Ahead are comfortable seats that can be adjusted in different positions. The controls are close at hand, you won't have to reach out, no matter which brand you prefer.
General specifications
When choosing which is better - Focus or Corolla auto, many buyers first of all look at the technical parameters of the car. They are interested in power, engine size, how much fuel will be consumed. Of course, only a new car can have absolutely correct data. Depending on the condition, some parameters, such as, for example, fuel consumption, may change for used cars.
Ford offers two engine options. Both are often found in the secondary market. These are 1.6-liter engines, differing in power: one of them has 105, the other - 125 hp. With. You can find a unit with a volume of 2 liters, it has 150 liters. With. In addition, a car with a 140 hp diesel engine was produced. With. and a volume of 2 liters. On average, Ford Focus three takes about 6 liters of gasoline on the highway, but in the city consumption can increase significantly.
Toyota Corolla also provides a good choice: the manufacturer offers two types of engines - 1.4 and 1.6 liters. The power of the first 97 liters. s., the second - 124 liters. With. If you like speed, a more powerful unit will do better. It is able not only to develop high speed, but also shows itself better when maneuvering in the city. The fuel consumption of the Corolla is slightly higher than that of the competitor - about 7 liters on the highway.
Chassis
Looking ahead, we note that a comparison of the two cars showed: Toyota is more dynamic in movement and has smoother driving characteristics.
Ford Focus performs well in city traffic, but the power steering reacts too thoughtfully. The car reacts weakly to the wiggle of the steering wheel. You have to make an effort. Toyota does not have such a problem; when turning the steering wheel, the reaction is immediate. The Ford braking system is highly accurate and has an instant response to pressure. It is quite enough for both a two-liter and a less powerful version. Toyota also boasts quality, fast-setting brakes.
If we compare the behavior of cars at high speed, then Ford enters corners better, obeys precisely at the highest possible numbers, while Toyota can skid slightly in corners. However, at lower speeds, the picture becomes the opposite: the Corolla is well controlled, having no problems with the reaction to the driver's actions, while the Ford is thinking, since feedback is clearly lacking.
If you compare the behavior of cars in the city, the difference is quite difficult to notice. The only thing that catches your eye is the softness of the gearshift on a Japanese car.
Ford will have to get used to, and at first it will most likely stall with you.
Conclusion
Speaking about the merits of cars, one can notice Ford's balance, softness of movement, attractive design, spacious interior. Toyota is distinguished by reliability, roomy interior and strict lines. Both cars can compete with each other quite well. When making a purchase, pay special attention to the technical condition, as used cars can be very different.
Sure, the Toyota Corolla is a lot more boring on the inside, but its practical upholstery, which has a darker hue than the Focus, will keep you dry-cleaning less often. In addition, the front panel, which has straight lines, is much more convenient to take care of yourself with any cleaning agent. But I would like to praise Ford for the spacious rear of the cabin - you can take fellow travelers on the way to work.
Driving characteristics
Power units
Ford continues to delight us with innovations - this time they are presented with a six-speed robotic transmission installed on the Focus. It works in a pair of 1.6 liters, having a performance of 125 horsepower. It seems that such a Ford Focus should become a champion in the field of dynamics, but the reality turns out to be quite different. If you choose between Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, the Japanese car is well ahead of the competitor - largely due to economical settings. The car constantly tries to maintain low speed and allows a pause of a few seconds before accelerating with a strong pedal.
| Car model: | Ford Focus | Toyota Corolla |
| Manufacturer country: | Germany (Assembly - Russia) | Japan (Assembly - Russia) |
| body type: | Sedan | Sedan |
| Number of places: | 5 | 5 |
| Number of doors: | 4 | 4 |
| Engine capacity, cu. cm: | 1600 | 1598 |
| Power, l. s./about. min.: | 125/6300 | 122/6000 |
| Maximum speed, km/h: | 195 | 195 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, s: | 11,2 | 10,5 |
| Type of drive: | Front | Front |
| Checkpoint: | 6 automatic transmission | Variable speed drive |
| Fuel type: | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-95 |
| Consumption per 100 km: | In the city 8.5 / Out of town 5.3 | In the city 8.9 / Out of town 5.8 |
| Length, mm: | 4534 | 4620 |
| Width, mm: | 1823 | 1775 |
| Height, mm: | 1484 | 1465 |
| Clearance, mm: | 140 | 150 |
| Tire size: | 205/55R16 | 195/65R15 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 1296 | 1290 |
| Gross weight, kg: | 1825 | 1760 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 | 55 |
The situation becomes unpleasant when you start to climb a hill in a Ford Focus, as the car stops accelerating and lags behind the passing traffic. To perform maneuvers such as climbs and overtaking, you have to pick up speed in advance and press hard on the pedal. And in Ford, a very tight gas pedal damper, which should increase the comfort of starting from a standstill, interferes. Instead, it does not give normally, forcing it to pull away abruptly and immediately slow down.
When considering Corolla and Focus, it is worth considering that Toyota is equipped with a continuously variable variator, which usually greatly impairs the dynamics of the car. However, in this case, everything happens exactly the opposite - excellent transmission settings allow not only to move off smoothly, but also to achieve sharp accelerations from the car if necessary. With a similar engine size and less than 3 liters. With. power Toyota Corolla accelerates to 100 km / h in just 10.5 seconds. True, you have to pay for everything - in this case, increased by 0.5–1.0 liters.
Chassis
Ford, which has repeatedly received complaints about the excessive rigidity and noise of the suspension of its cars, has outdone itself this time. The rear multi-link assembly on the Focus, even when driving through large bumps, and also does not annoy with strong shaking. In general, the car is perceived as very well controlled and comfortable. That's just when driving through the joints of the roadway and other small irregularities, the steering wheel of the Ford Focus begins to noticeably deviate to the side, annoying the driver.
Test drive of a Ford Focus car:
Comparison Corolla vs Focus shows that Japanese engineers were able to achieve similar results, while using simpler technical solutions. Toyota's suspension begins to transmit noise and shaking to the cabin only if the driver deliberately chooses the largest potholes and others. At the same time, the car obeys the steering wheel well and does not allow such vibrations as the Ford Focus. But when accelerating and braking, you can feel some longitudinal vibrations, which can be annoying if you choose an active driving style.
Test drive of Toyota Corolla:
Of course, the Ford Focus could have won this comparison were it not for the use of an overly complicated and expensive rear multi-link suspension. Practice shows that on our roads it quickly becomes unusable, forcing the owner to spend significant amounts of money on restoring the car. Therefore, Toyota Corolla is still much better in terms of operation.
Do we take a loan?
Young managers working in the field of banking will definitely choose Toyota Corolla - the car is a reliable investment due to its practicality. The only aspect in which the Corolla loses is greater fuel consumption. However, there are those ambitious young people who are engaged in sales and promotion - they are more suitable for the Ford Focus, which is not so cheap to maintain, but is built on the basis of modern technology and has. But still I would like to advise you to choose Focus, equipped with more powerful turbocharged engines - it is better suited for young and active. But Toyota Corolla is deprived of the opportunity to choose powerful power units - in addition to the one considered, in the production range of this model there is only a weaker one, with a volume of 1.3 liters, with a capacity of less than 100 horsepower.
These two sedans have long been competing with each other. Ford Focus has for many years been achieving a breakthrough in the honorable first place in the ranking of the most popular car, which currently belongs to the Corolla. In addition, these cars are the most popular in the domestic car loan market - their quality is not satisfactory, and the full cost, for many, is not available for instant purchase at the same time, but is available for payment with a loan.
For those who have not yet chosen, it will be useful to analyze all the positive and negative qualities of Ford and Toyota models similar in technical characteristics.
Appearance and design
Toyota designers modify the Corolla every 2-4 years, releasing a new generation or upgrading the old one. Sometimes these changes are not significant, and sometimes dramatic, however, the style of the car and its recognition remain unchanged. The same can be said about the Ford Focus style. But for the sake of preserving its style, the developers neglect the opportunity to pleasantly surprise customers with a new look at the car that has almost become an urban classic. The only changes in the design of the Focus are the regular increase in headlights and the bumper, which has become more massive and sharper over time. Ford also has two design features that distinguish the modern modification from the previous ones and this is a deep stamping on the board and a shortened trunk.
Throughout the glorious history of this model, Toyota designers paid a lot of attention to detail, and the new generation has become even more attractive in appearance. This happened largely due to the new, shining chrome, radiator grille, the line of which is continued by sharp-angled headlights. If you look closely, the body of the car has many kinks and bends, which add to it, along with the slyly “smiling” front bumper and lamps of a complex, elongated shape, dynamism and swiftness. However, the more interesting look of the Toyota, compared to the relatively boring Ford Focus, can seriously hit the budget in case of repair of body parts. Still, curved, graceful details are more difficult to bring to the original first-class look in which case. Focus is more practical in that it has a body kit made of plastic, which is not afraid of chips and scratches.
If we compare the interior of cars, then more sophisticated design solutions went to the Ford Focus, which was equipped with a cabin resembling an airplane cockpit. This is hinted at by an enlarged center console, which includes a multimedia system monitor, an entertainment control center, and a microclimate. And below is a highly raised automatic transmission selector. Vertical deflectors, dial illumination and a large monitor look original and stylish. The steering wheel, on which the auxiliary buttons are located, was made as convenient and ergonomic as possible. And the passenger and driver seats are comfortable not only because of the spaciousness, but also due to their moderate rigidity.
The interior of the Corolla is designed to leave as much space as possible in the cabin. It doesn't feel like it's loaded with details, but for all its convenience, it makes the car look simpler and more boring than it looks from the outside. The seats in the Toyota Corolla are almost as comfortable as in the Focus, but, unlike it, they are covered with practical non-staining material, which will someday save on dry cleaning. There is enough space for passengers in Toyota, but it will be uncomfortable for the three of us to sit in the back row.
Considered, sat down and went!
Japanese cars are a kind of standard, an example of long-term, guaranteed quality and maximum performance. For many in the world, it was Toyota Corolla that was the main proof of this. That is why, despite the fact that Ford is trying to offer its customers new powertrain options, for example, a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 125 horsepower with a robotic transmission, the Japanese model is still more practical and more convenient on the road.
These qualities are achieved by using economical gearbox settings that allow you to maintain low speeds and allow a pause of several seconds before accelerating with hard pedaling. What can not be said about the Focus, especially when driving uphill. Under such conditions, the vehicle will stop accelerating and fall behind. Therefore, overtaking or lifting will have to be performed only after preliminary preparation, i.e. pick up speed and do not stop putting pressure on the gas. The CVT, which is usually equipped with Toyota, although not in the best way affects the dynamics of the car, improves its ability to smooth start and high-speed acceleration. So even with less engine power than the Focus, Corolla accelerates to 100 km / h in just 10.5 seconds. Of course, this affects fuel consumption.
If we talk about the noise level, then both Ford and Toyota have worked on it. The Ford Focus significantly reduced the stiffness of the suspension, which saved the cabin from most of the extra sounds and strong shaking. The biggest disadvantages of the car are the sensitivity of the steering wheel, due to which it deviates to the side during the passage of even small bumps.
Toyota engineers have made it so that noise and shaking in the Corolla's cabin occurs only if the driver specifically drives on the most uneven sections of the road. Also, the car does not allow itself to be "amateur" by the wheel, as is the case with the Ford Focus. The main defect found during a test drive is the longitudinal vibrations during sharp acceleration and deceleration. However, if you are not a supporter of speed and various somersaults on the track, you may never feel these vibrations.
What is better?
Of course, even the most professional comparative analysis will not give you a clear answer to the question of which car to choose, but for people who choose practicality and quality assurance for the sake of fashion and power, the Toyota Corolla will be the best choice. Despite the fact that this brand consumes more fuel, it will require less investment in maintenance. And for those who want to emphasize their style and indomitable character, a frisky Ford Focus with an original interior and a powerful turbocharged engine, which can be selected depending on the configuration, is more suitable.
The “mask” of the updated Toyota Corolla with a narrow headlight slit and a finely shaded mouth will be envied by Kylo Ren himself, a knight of the First Order. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus looks at the world with an LED Iron Man eye. Why do these sedans need villainous or superhero looks? But because they are villains for competitors and at the same time superheroes for the global automotive industry.
Corolla is the most popular car in the world: for half a century it has sold more than 44 million copies. Ford Focus is produced less, but it has become one of the most serious opponents of the Corolla. The “American” got close more than once, and in 2013 even pulled ahead. For Toyota, his victory was not obvious - the American agency R.L. Polk & Co. did not count the Corolla Wagon, Altis and Axio versions, which ensured the advantage. Then “Focus” fell behind again and over the past two years has generally dropped out of the top three.
Corolla, according to the agency "AUTOSTAT", is the most common foreign car in Russia. In total, about 700 thousand cars of different generations drive on the roads. But in annual reports on sales of new cars, it was inferior to Focus, which ten years ago became the best-selling foreign car in general. It was difficult for Corolla to compete with him without local production and many modifications and bodies. However, later she still prevailed over the Focus, which sank due to higher prices and the adjustment of production in Vsevolozhsk of a restyled model. In 2016, it was the turn of the Corolla to be updated - and Ford is again ahead. But sales of popular C-class sedans are vanishingly small, and yesterday's bestsellers are forced to work part-time.
"Glass" front - the main change in Corolla after restyling
“The buyer is not worried about the whole world, it is more important for him to drive the best car in his own town,” suggested Toyota President Akio Toyoda. A person who bought a Corolla or Focus in Russia will definitely stand out at least. In the current economic conditions, these are rare and expensive cars - more than a million for a good package. The rules of the game are just for the Corolla, which looks larger and more solid.
She has a decent distance between the axles - 2700 mm, so the back row is spacious enough to seat three adults. Even tall passengers will not feel constrained: there is enough air between the knees and above the heads. But they will have to sit without any special amenities: there is no seat heating, no additional air ducts. Ford indulges rear passengers only with music - additional high-frequency speakers are installed in the doors. It is inferior to the "Corolla" in the size of the wheelbase, so the second row is noticeably tighter. The ceiling is high, but there is not enough legroom.
The front panel of the Corolla consists of layers of different textures, and after restyling a soft leather lining with stitching appeared, round air ducts that evoke persistent associations with aircraft. On a glossy black overlay, the touch keys of the new multimedia system shine, and the strict climate control unit with rocker keys seems to have been taken from the world of Hi-End audio. It all looks more modern and refined than even the more expensive Camry sedan. And the rough buttons, which the thrifty Toyota will not use up soon, are not so noticeable. It’s a pity that you can’t order a leather interior for Corolla, and it’s impossible to look at a map on a large and high-quality display that quickly responds to touch.
Toyota multimedia system is devoid of navigation
The front panel of the "Focus" consists of corners and edges and is less detailed. It is rougher, more massive and protrudes strongly into the cabin. At the same time, the Ford does not have the cold technicalism of the Corolla: the temperature is regulated by rubberized handles, and the “little man” is responsible for the distribution of flows, as in Volvo. The multimedia system with Sony acoustics is equipped with navigation and understands complex voice commands.
In terms of practicality, Focus puts all classmates in check with transforming cup holders and a mat with an outlet for a navigator under the windshield. It is also perfectly prepared for the Russian winter: in addition to the heated steering wheel, which is also equipped with Toyota, it has windscreen washer nozzles and a windshield. And for a surcharge, a pre-heater is available.
The edge of the hood "Focus" is less affected by stones
Visibility is better in a Japanese car - Ford has too massive A-pillar bases and triangles in the front doors. In addition, swing wipers leave uncleaned areas at the pillars, although they clean dirt from a larger area of glass than classic Toyota wipers. Mirrors at the Corolla distort the picture less, but at the Focus, all rear head restraints are made recessed and do not interfere with the view. Both cars are equipped with rear-view cameras and ultrasonic sensors in a circle, but only the Focus has a parking assistant that takes over the steering wheel.
In parallel with the restyling, Ford and Toyota became quieter and added driving performance. Toyota is better insulated and offers excellent ride even on broken pavement. The suspension marks potholes and sharp-edged joints, but without it there wouldn't be such good handlebar engagement. Ford, in turn, has become softer and more tolerant of road defects and at the same time managed to maintain gambling settings.
“Enthusiasm is the sparkle of your eyes, the swiftness of your gait, the strength of your handshake, an irresistible surge of energy. Without it, you only have opportunities,” Henry Ford seemed to be talking about “Focus”. He has a strong tread, an elastic steering wheel, and a surge of thrust in 240 Km of torque is felt immediately. "Automatic" quickly juggles its six gears and does not need any sport mode or manual control.
