1978 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Ford Focus
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Focus weights approximately 289 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Focus (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2002 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
