1973 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 478 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 1973 Ford Escort. 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 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
