Differences between North American and European 2004 Ford Focus?

  • Thread starter Omamder5
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Omamder5

Omamder5

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My parents own a 2004 Ford Focus sedan, bought in Canada. I was wondering whether there are any significant differences concerning running gear, setup, suspension, etc.

The reason I ask this is because I heard on Top Gear that the first-gen Ford Focus, in Britain, was one of the best-handling sport hatches around in its day. I'm wondering if this also applies to the NA version. I know that the European Focus's and Fords in general have been rather better, concerning handling and other aspects as well.
 
As I recall, 2004 was the first year for the MKII Ford Focus in Europe. That brought on a whole new chassis, suspension, body style and so on.

2005-2007_Ford_Focus_Zetec_UK.jpg


The earlier Foci were essentially the same as what they had in Europe, although I believe there were some differences in trim and overall tune of the vehicle. Ford Europe had some other, more "hardcore" versions, as well as some more upscale trim levels. The Focus in the US and Canada, well, it was basic transportation.
 
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This is essentially the model we have, down to the trim level and wheels. Has anybody owned a focus such as this one form Europe? It's a long shot, but I'm wondering how the NA and Europe models compare. From what I've been able to tell driving it, and from how my brother has driven it in the twisties, it makes a fine handling car for one so cheap. However, since my experience with real cars can be measured with a pipette, and I've only really driven cars in games, I have no idea.
 
Other than Europe having a ton more engine options the MkI Focus is relatively the same. Europe did have the RS where the US didn't. The ST170 (EU) is similar to the SVT (NA).
 
Guess that means it'll handle as well as I hoped. Lots of people buy their old beaters when they get their license, but I'm happy to get the trusty focus; turns out it can be a fun canyon carver, if it comes to that.

You own a first gen SVT? That thing must be a tad quicker than mine, i'd reckon.
 
Omamder5
Guess that means it'll handle as well as I hoped. Lots of people buy their old beaters when they get their license, but I'm happy to get the trusty focus; turns out it can be a fun canyon carver, if it comes to that.

You own a first gen SVT? That thing must be a tad quicker than mine, i'd reckon.
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A base Focus handles brilliantly, an ST170 / SVT handles 2x better. An RS is even better, so I hear. The ST170 / SVT is--if you get a non TCS car--2.0s+ quicker to 60mph than the base ZETEC.
 
I'd guess the larger overhang of the sedan would make it slightly less sprightly than the hatch. I've got a 2000 1.8 Zetec hatch and I love it!

*edit*
Would be interesting to see a weight comparison between the hatch and the sedan too.
 
the north american '04 Focus is base on the 1st gen platform and the 2004 euro model is the platform we currently have, for about 2years now.
So both car are totally different, its like comparing a Golf mk1 with a 2010 model
 
MasterFocus
the north american '04 Focus is base on the 1st gen platform and the 2004 euro model is the platform we currently have, for about 2years now.
So both car are totally different, its like comparing a Golf mk1 with a 2010 model
Click to expand...

I believe we bought our Focus in 2004. However, it was a first gen model, and I'm talking about the global first gen Focus, which, as far as I can tell, was available in very similar form in both NA and Europe.
 
There are likely differences in spring rates and damping per market and per variant. Your car is likely to have somewhat different damping from JCE's SVT. The base car, however, should still handle well.
 
MasterFocus
the north american '04 Focus is base on the 1st gen platform and the 2004 euro model is the platform we currently have, for about 2years now.
So both car are totally different, its like comparing a Golf mk1 with a 2010 model
Click to expand...

All North American Focuses are based on the first gen Focus platform, even with the 2008 redesigned ones. North America never got the second gen Focus that was sold elsewhere in the world.
 
Crash852
All North American Focuses are based on the first gen Focus platform, even with the 2008 redesigned ones. North America never got the second gen Focus that was sold elsewhere in the world.
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Actually, Mexico received the MkII Focus. You can go south and import one if you want. I've seen one stateside with Mexican plates too.
 
JCE
Actually, Mexico received the MkII Focus. You can go south and import one if you want. I've seen one stateside with Mexican plates too.
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You're right, Mexico did get the MkII Focus, while US and Canada didn't, which I thought is really stupid. :grumpy:

Hell, Mexico supposedly even got one batch of Focus RS. One American bought one down there and was going to import it, but I haven't heard anything since the story ran on Jalopnik; do you know if he was successful?
 
Crash852
You're right, Mexico did get the MkII Focus, while US and Canada didn't, which I thought is really stupid. :grumpy:

Hell, Mexico supposedly even got one batch of Focus RS. One American bought one down there and was going to import it, but I haven't heard anything since the story ran on Jalopnik; do you know if he was successful?
Click to expand...

Is the one green that he was importing? I haven't seen or heard of someone successfully importing one no.

I did see someone who imported a Renault Megane hatch here in Plano. Odd thing is it looked like the base petrol model. Not even a cool one. 👎
 

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