1970 Fiat 124 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 124. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 235 kg more than 1970 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 124 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 1970 Fiat 124. 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 (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 124. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 124 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 124 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2540 mm |
