1998 Ford Focus vs. 1972 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 494 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Toyota Publica 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 1972 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1972 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Publica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1169 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2170 mm |
