Comparison: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium vs 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS - MotorTrend Magazine
Sport-tuned suspensions, 18-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes (base versions of each have rear drums), and the obligatory rear spoiler are all part of the package for both the Ford and Chevy. Both have six-speed transmissions, and the torque spread between the two cars is only 2 pound-feet. In the Focus Titanium's engine bay sits a naturally aspirated, direct-injection 2. 0-liter inline-four that produces 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Cruze LTZ RS' turbocharged 1. 4-liter four-banger turns out 138 horsepower, but 148 pound-feet of torque. The Focus flaunts a state-of-the-art dual-clutch automatic, while the Cruze makes do with a conventional torque converter. Each offers a manual shift mode, the Focus via lever-mounted push button, the Cruze with a typical forward-and-back tug of the lever. Inside, the Focus features plenty of soft plastic at all the major touch points, dash and door sills included. The Focus' steering wheel is perfectly sized, and while the vast array of four-way buttons appear complicated at first, the layout is easy to get used to. We liked the layout of the Cruze's. Source: www.motortrend.com
