2003 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 510 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Focus | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 4128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
