1979 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Ford Focus

To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 29 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, 2008 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 513 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 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 2008 Ford Focus
Make Buick Ford
Model Estate Focus
Year Released 1979 2008
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5736 cc 1996 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 104 HP 134 HP
Engine RPM 3200 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 275 Nm 320 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1875 kg 1362 kg
Vehicle Length 5510 mm 4340 mm
Vehicle Width 1990 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1610 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2650 mm


 

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