2003 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Manta (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Focus weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 1978 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1978 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Manta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
