1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 28 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (108 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 460 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, 2008 Ford Focus (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
