1972 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 174 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
