1978 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (132 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 55 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
