2003 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Focus weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
