1976 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Ford Focus
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Focus weights approximately 240 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, 2007 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, 2007 Ford Focus (156 Nm @ 4150 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
