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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 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 432 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 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 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 | 1595 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
