2004 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 184 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
