1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,757 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 279 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 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 1972 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 (251 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 124 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1757 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2630 mm |
