1981 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 1492 kg more than 1981 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1981 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 2862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2620 mm |
