1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 246 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nova | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
