1979 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 405 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Electra 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Focus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2650 mm |
