1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 320 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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 (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
