2002 Ford Focus vs. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 360 kg more than 2002 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Focus (325 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Focus | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2820 mm |
