1971 Austin 3 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 38 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, 2009 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 36 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
