1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 230 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Focus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
