1979 Buick Estate vs. 2003 Ford Focus
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 675 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Estate. 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, 1979 Buick Estate (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2003 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Focus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
