1978 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 1071 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 1978 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2620 mm |
