1975 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Ford Focus
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 28 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Focus weights approximately 260 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, 2003 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, 2003 Ford Focus (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
