1978 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 345 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, 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, 2005 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
