1998 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Isuzu 117
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu 117 would be higher. At 2,236 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Isuzu 117. (72 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Isuzu 117. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu 117 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1979 Isuzu 117 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 1979 Isuzu 117. 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 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Isuzu 117. (139 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Isuzu 117.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1979 Isuzu 117 | |
| Make | Ford | Isuzu |
| Model | Focus | 117 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2236 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 56 L |
