2004 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,757 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. 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 (251 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1757 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
