2016 Volkswagen Golf vs Ford Focus Comparison
2016 Volkswagen Golf
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Horsepower: |
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Torque: |
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Satellite radio: |
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EPA interior volume: |
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Rear leg room: |
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170 hp @ 4500 rpm
2016 Ford Focus
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Horsepower: |
160 hp @ 6500 rpm |
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Torque: |
146 ft-lbs. @ 4450 rpm |
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Satellite radio: |
Optional |
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EPA interior volume: |
114.5 cu.ft. |
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Rear leg room: |
33.2 in. |
2016 Volkswagen Golf vs Ford Focus
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It is a tough job being a compact hatchback. While in the past that designation demanded just the additional space offered by the larger rear storage area, modern hatchbacks are expected to deliver across a wide range of metrics. Interior comfort and material quality have become important as even economy cars improve in fit and finish, just as new safety technologies are raising the bar on the sort of safety feature expected even of compact cars. And with the rise of the hot hatch, compact hatchbacks are also expected to pack some power under the hood. Two hatchbacks that manage to accomplish all of the above are the 2016 Volkswagen Golf and the 2016 Ford Focus. We’ve squared the two of them off against each other to see just how good compact hatchbacks have gotten and which of the two is the best.
Performance
Both the Golf and the Focus have plenty of power to show off. The 2016 Focus comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four cylinder as its base engine and generates 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Those more concerned with mileage can also downgrade to a 1.0-liter turbo that puts out 123 horsepower, but the real enthusiasts will be interested in the Focus ST. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 240 horsepower. The 2016 Golf easily keeps up with its Ford opponent with a base 1.8-liter turbo engine with 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. It continues to pace it with the Golf GTI model and its 210-horsepower turbo engine. However, it takes the lead with the powerful 292-horsepower Golf R that easily leaves the Focus ST behind in the dust.
Comfort
Both the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf are very comfortable to sit in. Both have well-bolstered seats that easily keep you in place even during more spirited driving. However, the seats on the Focus can feel snug and constricting, while the Golf’s seats are more forgiving. In terms of cargo room, both cars offer plenty. The 2016 Focus offers 44.8 cubic feet of space in the rear with the seats down, while the 2016 Golf can fit 52.7. If that’s not enough, the Golf SportWagen has even more room to spare.
Safety
Safety is the one of the top considerations for every car buyer, and rightly so. The 2016 Ford Focus and the 2016 Volkswagen Golf are both some of the safest vehicles on the market right now. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave both cars the maximum five out of five stars based on the crash tests it conducted. Likewise, both have scored highly in Insurance Institute of Highway Safety testing. The 2016 Focus earned the top score in every category except for the small overlap front crash test, where it earned an ‘Acceptable’ score. The 2016 Golf, however, managed to sweep the entire board, getting the top scores in all categories and earning IIHS’s highly-coveted Top Safety Pick Plus award.
Getting behind the wheel of the 2016 Ford Focus and the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a real eye-opener as to how far hatchbacks have come in the last 20 years. Both cars are roomy, comfortable, safe and blistering fast. Looking to the details, the Golf emerges as a clear winner with more horsepower, larger cargo area and better safety test scores. So if you want to experience the true modern hatchback, visit us at Capital Volkswagen and give the new 2016 Volkswagen Golf a spin.
* EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.