1982 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Ford Focus

To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1982 Ford Cortina. (60 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 218 kg more than 1982 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Cortina. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1982 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1982 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1982 Ford Cortina 2004 Ford Focus
Make Ford Ford
Model Cortina Focus
Year Released 1982 2004
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1294 cc 1983 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 60 HP 134 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 92 Nm 178 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 84.8 mm
Engine Stroke Size 63 mm 88 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.2:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
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 1218 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4300 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2490 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 55 L