1971 Austin 3 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 207 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1971 Austin 3 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 1971 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
