Which is better Ford Focus 2 or Opel Astra. Ford Focus vs Opel Astra: the weight of welfare. Which is better Ford Focus or Opel
"I want to buy a 5-door hatchback from $6,000 to $7,000. I'm considering Opel Astra, Fiat Punto, Fiat Bravo, Ford Focus. Conditions: “mechanical”, engine volume - 1.6-1.8 l."
Let's cross out both Fiat models first! Nothing personal, it’s just that both Bravo and Punto of the generations in question are equipped with gasoline engines with a capacity of up to 1.4 liters, which does not fit into the requirements of the author of the question (rare powerful versions of Bravo do not count, especially since they are not visible on our aftermarket) . In addition, the Punto belongs to the European segment B and is noticeably inferior in size (and therefore in interior space), as well as in the level of comfort, to the other three models representing the golf class.
So we suggest focusing your search on two models - Opel Astra H and Ford Focus II. Note that both cars have repeatedly become the heroes of our publications, in which we examined them in detail technical features and disadvantages. So now let’s go over the main points and compare the models.
Body
Focus loses its presentation over time: the paint becomes cloudy, and in some places even peels off. In addition, there may be problems with rust, but in most cases this is the fault of the previous owners who did not take care of the body and did not promptly eliminate small pockets of corrosion in places where the paintwork and zinc were damaged.
The Astra paint coating is also not particularly resistant to mechanical stress, so over time, pinpoint corrosion may also appear in places most vulnerable to sandblasting and other damage. But openly rotting Astra Hs are an extremely rare occurrence.
Engines
In the case of the Focus, we wouldn't recommend chasing the 1.8-liter engine, even despite the greater power and timing chain drive. Firstly, there are enough problems with stability of operation, which is to blame either the ignition system, or the throttle valve, or the control unit. Secondly, often after 200 thousand km an opening is required due to obstructed oil scraper rings.
So it’s better to pay attention to the 1.6-liter version. Yes, 115 hp version of Ti-VCT until 2007. had questions with the reliability of the clutches of the variable valve timing system, and in general the “phases” are a no-no, and they remind of themselves, although perhaps it’s also a matter of quality maintenance and the oil used. But the old 100-horsepower engine is hardly worth considering for purchase, since it is rather weak with almost the same level of reliability.
At one time, the 1.6-liter Ecotec X16XEL (101 hp), the same one that was installed on the Astra G, considerably spoiled the reputation increased consumption motor oil because of premature wear valve bushings. But the 115-horsepower Z16XER engine is free from this drawback, so there is no need to be afraid of this option; the choice between it and the 140-horsepower 1.8 Z18XER engine (both engines in these modifications appeared on the Astra H in 2006) from a reliability point of view is not fundamental .
Also, both engines with distributed fuel injection can be considered quite attractive from the point of view of maintainability and the cost of repair costs. But they have common weak points - the ignition module, failing sensors, and not the most reliable wiring. In addition, engines are sensitive to the quality of engine oil and the timing of its replacement. In general, the selection criterion can be either technical condition a specific instance, or differences in characteristics: the 1.8-liter engine is more powerful, but also a little more voracious.
Transmissions
The IB5 manual transmission on the Focus was no different high reliability. And this is another argument in favor of the 1.6-liter version, although repairs may also be required over time, although most likely the matter will be limited to replacing synchronizers.
The F17 manual gearbox, used on the Astra with the engines in question, is also far from ideal: cases of its premature failure are not that uncommon with mileages of up to 200 thousand km and on cars less than 10 years old. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to check whether the operation of the transmission is accompanied by increased noise or extraneous sounds. Moreover, on a more powerful 1.8-liter engine, it is much easier to provoke the “death” of the differential and shaft bearings - in this sense, the 1.6-liter version is also a little “safer”.
Suspension
In the Focus chassis, the front wheel bearings are relatively short-lived, and with mileages over 100 thousand km, the rear multi-link may need to be rebuilt, and this operation may seem unexpectedly expensive due to the abundance of parts.
Unlike the Focus, the Astra uses a simpler semi-independent beam at the rear. The front is also a McPherson, if not eternal, then simply inexpensive to repair. So keeping the suspension in working order is not at all burdensome. But here, too, the exception is the insufficiently durable and rather expensive wheel bearings, which are replaced along with the hub. But in any case, Opel should have fewer questions regarding the suspension.
Price Pulse
As the analysis shows, with a budget of $6000-7000, you can consider buying an Opel Astra H and Ford Focus II 2008-2009, although there are also more recent examples. At the same time, the price level for Focus is slightly lower, which allows you to either save money or choose a later year of manufacture, all other things being equal.
Our verdict
Both models are close not only in their technical specifications, but also in terms of reliability, as well as maintenance costs. In both cases, we recommend that you consider purchasing 1.6-liter versions - they initially have fewer questions regarding both the engines themselves and the gearboxes. Otherwise, everything depends on the technical condition of the specimens in question.
Ivan KRISHKEVICH
website
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Mazda3 and Mitsubishi Lancer the image of cars for active driving, and Ford Focus and Opel Astra are in demand among pragmatic and practical people.
The most expensive model is the Mazda3, and the most affordable is the Mitsubishi Lancer. Ford Focus and Opel Astra cost almost the same and are in the price range between the two “Japanese”. With an amount of 100 thousand UAH, you can buy a Ford Focus and Opel Astra 2007, or a Mazda3 that is 2 years older than them or fresher than all of them by year (2008) Mitsubishi Lancer. The Focus and Mazda3 are built on a common platform and share some of the same parts and components.
| Ford Focus | Mazda3 | Mitsubishi Lancer | Opel Astra | |
| General information | ||||
| Body type | sedan | sedan | sedan | sedan |
| Doors/seats | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dimensions, L/W/H, mm | 4490/1840/1455 | 4490/1755/1465 | 4480/1695/1445 | 4587/1753/1458 |
| Base, mm | 2640 | 2640 | 2600 | 2703 |
| Curb/full weight, kg | 1230/1775 | 1235/1745 | 1205/1750 | 1314/1740 |
| Trunk volume, l | 465/525 | 420/675 | 430/n.d. | 490/870 |
| Tank volume, l | 55 | 55 | 50 | 52 |
| Engines | ||||
| Gasoline 4-cylinder: | 1.4 l 16V (80 hp), 1.6 l 16V (100 hp) 1.6 l 16V (115 hp), 2.0 l 16V (145 hp) | 1.6 l 16V (105 hp), 2.0 l 16V (150 hp) | 1.6 l 16V (98 hp), 1.8 l 16V (140 hp), 2.0 l 16V (135 hp) | 1.6 l 16V (115 hp), 1.8 l 16V (140 hp) |
| Diesel 4-cylinder: | 1.6 L 16V Turbo (90/109 HP), 2.0 L 16V Turbo (136 HP) | 1.7 l 16V (110 hp) | ||
| Transmission | ||||
| Drive type | front | front | front | front |
| KP | 5-st. fur. or 4-st. auto | 5- or 6-st. fur. or 4-st. auto | 5-st. fur. or 4-st. auto | 5- and 6-st. fur., 5-st. robot. fur.. |
| Chassis | ||||
| Front/rear brakes | disk fan/disk | disk fan/disk | disk fan/disk | disk fan/disk |
| Suspension front/rear | independent/independent | independent/independent | independent/independent | independent/independent |
| Tires | 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 205/50 R17 | 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16 | 195/60 R15, 195/50 R16 | 205/55 R16 |
Ford Focus II 2004-2011 from 77.6 thousand UAH. up to 134.4 thousand UAH.
Mazda3 2003-2009 from 80 thousand UAH. up to 136 thousand UAH.
Mitsubishi Lancer IX 2002-2009 from 68 thousand UAH. up to 108 thousand UAH.
Opel Astra (H) from 2007 from 100 thousand UAH to 152 thousand UAH
True to character!
Taking into account the active temperament of the “troika” and Lancer with more powerful motors on secondary market there is a risk of purchasing a copy restored after an accident. Therefore, we recommend carrying out qualified diagnostics of the condition of their body. Regarding corrosion resistance, most of the complaints are against the Mazda3, and regarding the condition of other body parts - against the Astra and also the Troika. The best (5 EuroNCAP stars) is the “Germans” (the other models in this discipline are weaker).
The interiors of all cars are ready to accommodate five crew members - and the most comfortable will be in the Opel - it has the largest wheelbase, this advantage was used by designers to improve the comfort of rear passengers. And the least spacious salon at Lancer. The practicality of the “Germans” is also confirmed by the more spacious trunks compared to the “Japanese” ones. It is the largest in Astra - 490 liters, slightly smaller in Focus - 465 liters (versus 420 liters in Mazda3 and 430 liters in Lancer). Opel should only be criticized for the narrowed opening to access the cabin when folded rear seats.
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In inexpensive Focus versions The quality of the plastic finish is low - it is hard and can cause squeaking over time. Visibility is limited by the A-pillars, sloping rear window and high “stern”.
The plastic trim looks expensive, but feels hard to the touch, fortunately it is not creaky. Noise insulation engine compartment And wheel arches rather weak. In a car produced in 2003-2004. The information display on the dashboard and the front airbag sensor may fail.
The finishing plastic is hard, but not creaky. Noise insulation is rather weak, and visibility is limited only in Sport versions by the standard rear wing. But all salon equipment is reliable and works without problems.
The interior plastic is of high quality; even over time, nothing creaks inside. The sound insulation of the engine compartment is rather weak. The main advantage of the cabin is one of the largest reserves of legroom for rear passengers in the class.
Wrong stereotype
Under the hood of both “Japanese” there are only gasoline engines, while the “Germans” also have economical ones. diesel versions, however, they are less common. It is better to refrain from buying a Focus with a 1.6 TDI engine - it is short-lived. Among gasoline power units The least problems were identified in Ford and Opel engines.
The most popular engine in all cars is a 1.6 liter petrol engine. Having compared the dynamic performance of these versions with “mechanics”, declared by the manufacturers, we found out that the “troika” more accurately corresponds to it - it is the fastest and accelerates to “hundreds” in 11.2 seconds, and Lancer, despite the image of a car for active driving , turned out to be the slowest - 12.1 s (Focus - 11.9 s and Astra - 11.7 s). Notes on gearboxes apply to all models.
The suspensions of these cars are well-tuned and are well suited for active driving. Feature Focus– its rear “multi-link”, due to special silent blocks, is endowed with a passive steering effect. Because of this, the rear end often moves on rough roads. It’s difficult to say unequivocally which car’s chassis is the most durable. Weak spots have been identified in the suspensions of each model that will have to be repaired after a mileage of 40–80 thousand km.
Only Opel has no complaints about the reliability of the steering, while the steering rods of Astra and Lancer (1.6 l) last less than those of other cars - 70–80 thousand km and 40–80 thousand km, respectively. There are comments on the brakes only for 2.0-liter versions of Lancer Sport.
Ford Focus II
Generally Focus body well protected from corrosion. Many cars are sold without protective mud flaps, and if they are not additionally installed, over time the paint on the sills and lower parts of the doors will sand off.
The plastic trim of the cheap and expensive versions is different - the former are of lower quality. The rear seat will be most comfortable for people of average build. Over time, the window regulators begin to creak (lubrication is required), and the air conditioner radiator needs periodic cleaning (otherwise the tube between the compressor and the radiator loses its seal).
The most common unit is 1.6 liters (petrol and diesel). A typical problem with gasoline engines is the throttle valve. The 1.6 TDI has a short service life - by 100 thousand km the cylinder-piston group wears out and oil consumption increases. The automatic transmission is reliable, but the manual transmission suffers from oil leaks.
The suspension is moderately stiff, but energy-intensive. On rough roads the rear end often moves. The resource of the rear multi-link is long, but a number of parts of the front suspension are not durable. At the same time, the ball and silent blocks of the front levers can run about 150 thousand km. Over time, the steering may also become disturbed.
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A used Focus is comfortable, convenient, practical and has good driving performance. Although there are serious criticisms regarding the reliability and durability of some components and assemblies (suspension parts, transmission and 1.6 liter turbodiesel engine).
Claims regarding corrosion resistance apply only to pre-restyling versions released before 2006. In addition, the Mazda3 also has a number of comments regarding the condition of some body parts.
The interior design reflects the active orientation of the model. Many versions are well equipped. At the same time, one can criticize the quality of sound insulation and the ergonomics of landing in the gallery.
Only petrol versions were officially sold. The most common are 1.6-liter versions, which have proven to be more reliable. The 2.0 liter unit can create problems. There are no comments for both types of CP. Only the clutch on 1.6-liter cars and some transmission parts on versions 2003-2005 can be disturbed. Thanks to the down-tuned suspension and informative steering, the Mazda3 is perfect for active driving. Weak points of the chassis: transverse arms of the rear multi-link, support pads of the struts and stabilizer links. The remaining consumables last 100-200 thousand km. Comments on the reliability of the electric power steering apply only to 2.0-liter versions. At the same time, steering rods of all versions are durable - they can last about 150 thousand km.
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Mazda3 is popular among the fair half of society and among lovers of active driving. 2.0-liter versions can be worn out by overly temperamental owners. Buy better car since 2006, in which many “childhood diseases” were eliminated. Some suspension parts are not durable.
Mitsubishi Lancer IX
On the secondary market there are “gray” versions from the Asian and American markets - Virage and Mirage (usually 2002-2004). The advantage is that they are better equipped than the “Europeans”.
On Lancers before 2006, you should check the trunk lid lock - it may jam due to water getting into it. Usage functionality cargo compartment limited by a narrow “neck” of the access opening to the cabin with the rear seats folded down. On the back seat it will be a bit cramped for three passengers; there is also a small amount of space for the legs of the rear passengers.
Officially, we sold versions with gasoline engines 1.6 l and 2.0 l. The 1.8 liter engine is found among the “gray” versions. Typical problems each of the power units has. Manual transmissions and automatic transmissions are reliable; troubles can arise with the “mechanics” only for overly active drivers. The clutch is more problematic for versions with a 1.6 liter engine.
A properly functioning suspension provides good stability and handling. Chassis weaknesses: ball joints front arms, bushings front stabilizer, upper support cushions rear shock absorbers, rear springs (1.6 l), floating outer silent blocks of three wishbones (2.0 l until 2005). The remaining consumables last for 100 thousand km. There are also comments about the reliability of the steering and brakes.
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Mitsubishi Lancer is able to attract buyers with its affordable market price, corrosion-resistant body and the image of a driver's model, supported by good driving performance. Although the practicality of the Lancer is poor: the trunk volume is small, and the “gallery” is not easy. And reliability does not correspond to the image of Japanese cars.
Opel Astra (H)
In general, the corrosion resistance of the body is not bad. The only thing weak point Where rust may appear is the trunk lid under the chrome decorative trim. There are also a few comments about the condition of other body parts.
The salon, in particular the gallery, is very spacious for the legs due to the fact that wheelbase the sedan is one of the largest among its classmates and is even 3 mm larger than that of the Vectra (C). The interior is of high quality, most equipment works without problems.
Most often we have cars equipped with gasoline engine volume 1.6 l. 1.8 liter petrol and 1.7 liter turbodiesel are the rarest. Low-quality gasoline can damage ignition coils. The “mechanics” are problem-free, but the “robot” is thoughtful in its operation, and also requires regular (every 15 thousand km) clutch adjustment (including after slipping). If this is not done, the clutch and dual-mass flywheel may become unusable by 50 thousand km.
The chassis is moderately rigid and provides good stability and handling. A number of suspension parts have a short service life. At the same time, the silent blocks of the front levers can withstand about 100 thousand km, and the ball blocks even longer. The “rubber bands” of the rear beam are also considered “indestructible”.
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The main trump card Astra sedan(H) compared to competitors - a spacious interior in which rear passengers can be accommodated more comfortably than in most competitors. When purchasing, it is better to choose versions with reliable “mechanics”. The suspension does not like overloads, and some of its parts are short-lived.
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