1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Focus weights approximately 315 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2614 mm |
