1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 3.5 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 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Rover | Ford |
| Model | 3.5 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2620 mm |
