2004 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 221 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 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 (183 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1979 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1221 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
