1970 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 400 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Escort. 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 (175 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (148 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 50 L |
