1999 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 122 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| 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 | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
