2004 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 219 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 (166 Nm @ 4150 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1978 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Capri |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
