1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 Ford Focus
To start off, 2013 Ford Focus is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Focus (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Focus weights approximately 520 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2013 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Focus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| 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 | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4361 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2045 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
