1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 164 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
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 (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
