1976 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 261 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Focus (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1171 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
