1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 2004 Ford Focus

To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (53 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 354 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1959 Fiat 1200 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4150 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Fiat 1200 2004 Ford Focus
Make Fiat Ford
Model 1200 Focus
Year Released 1959 2004
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1221 cc 1595 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 53 HP 128 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 81 Nm 178 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4150 RPM
Engine Bore Size 72 mm 79 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 81.4 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 925 kg 1279 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 4480 mm
Vehicle Width 1460 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2350 mm 2650 mm