1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus is newer by 40 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Focus (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Focus weights approximately 293 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, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2012 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2012 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1337 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4359 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1824 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 47 L |
