1975 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 29 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 1,845 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 478 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort.
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, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
