1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Cortina 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Focus (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 1999 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Cortina | 1999 Ford Focus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Cortina | Focus |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1795 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 99 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 149 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |