1975 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,387 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 315 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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, 1999 Ford Focus (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
