So you’re in the market for your first car but don’t have much money to spend on it. What do you do?
Some people turn to the car lot and buy the first used car they find there, but that can be both an unsafe and foolish purchase decision.
If you want to find a great used car at an affordable price, consider one of the most popular budget cars today: the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla.
Let’s look at how these two compare head-to-head before you make your final decision!
Side by Side Specs
When it comes to budget cars, there are two that always come to mind: the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla.
Both are reliable, affordable, and get the job done. But which one is better? Let’s take a look at a few key specs side by side.
The Ford Focus has an exterior length of 190.1 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. The Corolla measures 179.9 inches in length with a 107-inch wheelbase.
The interior space is comparable between the two, with 41 cubic feet for the rear passengers and 73 cubic feet for those upfronts.
However, it should be noted that the backseat doesn’t recline on either car. Regarding cargo space, these two are neck-and-neck again, with 16 cubic feet behind the backseat on both models.
Cost of Ownership
The Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla are affordable options regarding the cost of ownership. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. For instance, the Ford Focus has a lower starting price than the Toyota Corolla.
Additionally, the Ford Focus gets better gas mileage, which can save you money over time.
But, the Toyota Corolla does have a slightly higher resale value than the Ford Focus. So, when it comes to the cost of ownership, it depends on what your priorities are.
Resale Value
Regarding resale value, the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla both hold their own. But if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Corolla slightly edges out the Focus.
On average, a used Corolla will retain about 60% of its original value after five years, while a used Focus will have about 57%. So if you’re planning on selling your car down the line, the Corolla is a better bet.
Maintenance Costs
Of course, the cost is one of the most critical factors in deciding which car is right for you. Regarding maintenance, the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla are relatively evenly matched.
Both cars require regular oil changes and tune-ups, and both have been known to have issues with their brakes and transmissions.
The main difference is that Focus uses synthetic oil, which can be more expensive. On average, the Corolla costs $90 less yearly than the Focus.
Still, this gap widens considerably if you get your car serviced at a dealership instead of an independent mechanic.
Safety Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are two organizations that rate vehicles for safety.
And when it comes to the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla, they are both top performers in protection. Each car has earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
As for the IIHS, both cars have been named Top Safety Picks. So when it comes to safety, you can’t go wrong with either of these budget-friendly cars.
Interior Comfort and Features
The Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla are evenly matched in interior comfort and features.
Both cars have comfortable, spacious seats and offer a variety of creature comforts like Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls.
However, the Corolla does have one advantage over the Focus. Its standard Entune infotainment system is much more user-friendly than Ford’s MyFord Touch system.
It also has an available navigation system with access to SiriusXM traffic reports, gas prices, movie listings, and stocks.
On the other hand, if you don’t care about these additional perks, then you may be better off with the Focus since it starts at $18,225, while the Corolla starts at $21,455.
Exterior Styling, Colors, and Amenities
The Ford Focus and the Toyota Corolla are two of the most popular budget cars on the market. Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla; which one is right for you?
Let’s consider some key differences between these two vehicles to help you decide. First, let’s talk about exterior styling. The Corolla will be your best bet if you want something sleek.
However, if bolder designs are more your style, the new 2018 Focus RS will certainly catch your eye with its sharp angles and sleek lines.
Next up: colors! With ten different exterior color options, both cars have plenty to choose from that can match any taste or mood.
Regarding amenities, both models offer many of the same standard features like cruise control, rearview camera, push-button start/stop engine button, etc.
Still, with so many optional packages available (like heated seats), it might be hard to choose just one!
Comfort and space
When it comes to budget cars, there are two that always come to mind: the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla. Both are reliable, affordable, and get the job done.
But which one is better? The question can be argued for hours on end with no conclusion. What’s clear, though, is this- both the Corolla and the Focus have advantages.
A recent study by U.S News & World Report ranked the Ford Focus as having better interior design than the Toyota Corolla.
Still, when you consider reliability, they found that both vehicles were even in terms of performance and quality. In contrast, they ranked the Toyota Corolla in terms of safety ratings.
In other words, you can’t go wrong with either car but if you want a little more power under your hood, opt for a Ford focus over a Toyota corolla!
Conclusion
The battle of the budget cars has been waged for years, with the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla coming out on top at different times. Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla; But which one is right for you?
If you’re looking for a cheap car to buy and run, then the Corolla is probably your best bet. But if you’re after a more stylish and fun-to-drive car, then the Focus might be a better choice. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a car.
