1968 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 285 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Focus (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Ford Escort | 1998 Ford Focus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Escort | Focus |
Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1388 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 75 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 101 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1115 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |