1980 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 349 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2005 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
