Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec or Vauxhall Astra 1.6 SXi

ADL said:
Hi,

Been reading these forums for ages but never felt strongly enough to post. Now's my chance!

I had a T reg Focus and now have an 04 plate Vectra. Worst. Decision. Ever. I can't believe the Vectra is supposedly a class up from the Focus. I bought it out of desperation when my car in between was about to cost 3 grand to fix.

This is how bad it is - I would swap the Vectra (even with 90k less miles on than the Focus had when I got rid) at the drop of a hat.

However, if you like a dull drive and a gearchange that feels like you're stirring a box of broken bricks then completely disregard what I've just said.

On the plus side, it's better than walking.

Adam
Click to expand...


Astra mate ;)

not a Vectra !
 
Drive both and see which one you prefer.

I was in a similar position a few years back and after taking both out I picked the Astra. Yes the Focus may be better on paper, but it's all down to personal preference. Running costs and reliability on mine has been spot on. I've ran it for the last 2 years, in which time it's been over to the Nurburgring twice, and the only thing I've had to replace other than the normal tyres, exhaust ect is the 2 rear wheel bearings.
I didnt like the drive or the looks inside and out of the Focus, but again this is all down to what you like and what you dont.
Neither car is going to blow your mind, and there isn't much between them so go with the one you like the best.

Also have you looked at the 1.8 Astra Sxi?? Just the insurance and running costs are virtually the same as the 1.6. Vauxhall also upgraded the 1.8 engine late 2000 from 115 to 125bhp.

Any questions on the Astra just ask.
 
ADL said:
Hi,

Been reading these forums for ages but never felt strongly enough to post. Now's my chance!

I had a T reg Focus and now have an 04 plate Vectra. Worst. Decision. Ever. I can't believe the Vectra is supposedly a class up from the Focus. I bought it out of desperation when my car in between was about to cost 3 grand to fix.

This is how bad it is - I would swap the Vectra (even with 90k less miles on than the Focus had when I got rid) at the drop of a hat.

However, if you like a dull drive and a gearchange that feels like you're stirring a box of broken bricks then completely disregard what I've just said.

On the plus side, it's better than walking.

Adam
Click to expand...

Claimed!!! The litte Vauxhall hating fiend!

(Or is that just a GD thing? :p)
 
[TW]Fox;12489198 said:
The only thing the Astra is more solidly put together than is something with a Kia badge on it. The Focus isn't exactly build quality personified either but it's certainly not a step behind the Astra.
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure. I bought a Mk4 Astra for my mum a month ago and I'd say it's nicer inside than the focus, it certainly feels like a more 'grown up' car. The standard stereo is much better too.

However Focus wins in the driving stakes, no doubt about it. Much sportier, more eager to turn in and with (as you said) a better engine which sounds quite sweet when you're revving the nuts off it.

At the end of the day, they're fairly similar cars designed to do the same job. I'd therefore not confine myself to either and would instead look for the car in the best condition with the longest MOT. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.
 
[TW]Fox;12489198 said:
The only thing the Astra is more solidly put together than is something with a Kia badge on it. The Focus isn't exactly build quality personified either but it's certainly not a step behind the Astra.
Click to expand...

You want to go a garage with them in, and remind yourself how low rent the focus interior is in comparison..

I went around 2 weeks ago looking at 2002/3 Focus/Astra/Golf/Whatever cars (for the missus to ferry the kids around in) and it's pretty obvious there is a pretty noticeably large gap in quality..
Notably
1. Focus Door cards/grabs are low quality plastics and citreonesque flimsy..
2. The main dashboard on the focus again is lower quality plastic and much thinner/poorly constructed, flexing with little pressure applied
3. The main console design and plastics are hard and flexible..
4. The seat adjustment is 1980's wind up stylee.

The Astra (3 door especially) feels a degree more solid, with much thicker/better constructed dash/door cards etc. (As does the golf of that era).

I had a 1.8 sport (99 model) for a while, and although it could do with more feedback through the steering, it handled much better then I expected, well above average, and although not as sharp as the 2.0 Focus zetec my mate had, it wasn't that far behind to be a major issue.

Here's parkers comments on interior and handling for both, that oddly follow my own experiences/opinions..
Focus Handling - Considering its family car image, the Focus's keen handling really impresses. Every model, from the entry-level CL up to the ST, is rewarding and enjoyable on the move with little body roll through corners and precise steering. The Zetec model gets sports suspension so the ride is a little firmer but the pay-off is more composure on twisting roads.
Click to expand...
Vs
Astra Handling - There are more thrills to be had with Astra than some other cars in its class. Without sacrificing ride comfort, it manages to offer an engaging drive that’s more refined than before with well-weighted steering and responsive handling. Lotus had a hand in the chassis development. Ride quality is still good, even fully laden.
Click to expand...

Focus interior - The Focus may not have the most upmarket cabin around
Click to expand...
Vs
Astra interior - Everything is easily accessible and well put together
Click to expand...

I'd take some of the wild opinions on here with a pinch of salt, and go make your own mind up, you'll soon know by test driving if a car is severly deficient in an area that's important to you..

At the end of the day, they're fairly similar cars designed to do the same job. I'd therefore not confine myself to either and would instead look for the car in the best condition with the longest MOT. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.
Click to expand...
The best advice I've heard on here for a while!
 
Last edited:
Demon said:
1. Focus Door cards/grabs are low quality plastics and citreonesque flimsy..
Click to expand...

I can't say I find them low quality at all. They have a velour finish to the inserts, and most of it is covered in a vinyl material with foam underneath. They certainly stand up to being removed and re-fitted far better than most cars I've taken the door cards off. I've had parts break off Astras, and Golfs when taking them apart.

Demon said:
2. The main dashboard on the focus again is lower quality plastic and much thinner/poorly constructed, flexing with little pressure applied
Click to expand...

I have never noticed my dash flex, but then again I can't say I have any reason to apply pressure to the dash...

Demon said:
3. The main console design and plastics are hard and flexible..
Click to expand...

Not sure what you are getting at with this. The only part I can think of is the area with the cup-holders and handbrake, which I agree is not up to the same standard as the rest of the dash.

Demon said:
4. The seat adjustment is 1980's wind up stylee.
Click to expand...

The focus is the same as pretty much any other car of that era and price bracket, a circular wind up disc for reclining the seat, a big handle to slide it back and forth and (in the case of some models), an electric button to adjust the height.
 
Abyss said:
I can't say I find them low quality at all. They have a velour finish to the inserts, and most of it is covered in a vinyl material with foam underneath. They certainly stand up to being removed and re-fitted far better than most cars I've taken the door cards off. I've had parts break off Astras, and Golfs when taking them apart.
Click to expand...
It's just got noticeable flex in it, when you pull the door closed, it feels and acts a bit flimsily, which the golf/astra do not. The cloth material is also quite thin and not as high quality/robust as the Astra/Golf. I'm not saying it's terrible, just not as good as the Astra/Golf.

I have never noticed my dash flex, but then again I can't say I have any reason to apply pressure to the dash...
Click to expand...
True, but when I noticed the door card quality and it's flexing, I wondered how solid the rest of the car was, and it's a little on the flexy side, and flexing leads to wear/creaks etc




Not sure what you are getting at with this. The only part I can think of is the area with the cup-holders and handbrake, which I agree is not up to the same standard as the rest of the dash.
Click to expand...
This is what I meant, the plastics in the Astra/Golf are quite heavy and solid in all areas.



The focus is the same as pretty much any other car of that era and price bracket, a circular wind up disc for reclining the seat, a big handle to slide it back and forth and (in the case of some models), an electric button to adjust the height.
Click to expand...
Except the Golf/Astra... they have nice lever adjusted height etc, and feel more modern accross the range.

Having been driving much newer cars for the last 3 years, then going around the garages and sitting in 2002 era cars, the difference in quality between old and new is very very apparant, the Astra and Golf of that era however stand out as being quite solid and not a million miles away from modern standards.
 
The Astra in my opinion. The styling on the Astra looks nice (imo), the SXi model has fairly decent interior and if you shop around you can get a good spec one for a good price.
 
Demon said:
It's just got noticeable flex in it, when you pull the door closed, it feels and acts a bit flimsily, which the golf/astra do not. The cloth material is also quite thin and not as high quality/robust as the Astra/Golf. I'm not saying it's terrible, just not as good as the Astra/Golf.

True, but when I noticed the door card quality and it's flexing, I wondered how solid the rest of the car was, and it's a little on the flexy side, and flexing leads to wear/creaks etc




This is what I meant, the plastics in the Astra/Golf are quite heavy and solid in all areas.



Except the Golf/Astra... they have nice lever adjusted height etc, and feel more modern accross the range.

Having been driving much newer cars for the last 3 years, then going around the garages and sitting in 2002 era cars, the difference in quality between old and new is very very apparant, the Astra and Golf of that era however stand out as being quite solid and not a million miles away from modern standards.
Click to expand...

I notice you compare it to the Golf a lot. Which is odd, because despite all the stories I hear about how well built Golfs are, I was surprised last week when I was given in a lift in my friends Golf GTI. It literally creaked and rattled all the way home. My Focus has the occasional creak Ill concede, but this thing sounded like it was gonna break up around me. And its only on something like 70K miles if I remember rightly.
 
Another vote for the focus, although the interior does feel and look like crappy plastic, it still looks modern (well it did back in 2002) Don't worry it grows on you! Cheap to run and service, petrol should be pretty reasonable for the 1600 to.


Ben.
 
Mond...Nope, hang on... BM... Nope, one sec..... Right.. Got it... Focus :) Neither have superlative interior trim quality, but the Focus is a better car, it really has aged well. Just look at the side profile of a nice 3 door one and it looks fantastic compared to a large chunk of newer motors
 
a lot of crap is being spoken in this thread. The interior quality on the focus is quite, no squaks or rattles and feels nice sold and chunky. The Astra is dull and has aged poorly but a T reg focus Zetec still looks fresh as a daisy
 
Focus. Better car. By a long way. The Focus handles better, goes better and feels better. The Astra will feel like decent copetition for the Escort, not for the Focus.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom