2002 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Carina (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Focus weights approximately 239 kg more than 1979 Toyota Carina.
Because 1979 Toyota Carina 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 Toyota Carina. 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 (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 1979 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
