1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 353 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 2008 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Focus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2650 mm |
