1989 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 429 kg more than 1989 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, 2009 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
