1998 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 133 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 1981 Toyota Corona. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Corona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
