1999 Ford Focus vs. 1956 Ford Escort
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,387 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 373 kg more than 1956 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Escort 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 1956 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Focus (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1956 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
