1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Ford Focus
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 55 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2003 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |
