1978 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
