1978 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Ford Focus
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus is newer by 29 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Focus (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Focus weights approximately 436 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, 2007 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, 2007 Ford Focus (216 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
