1968 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 38 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 345 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, 2006 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, 2006 Ford Focus (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
