2004 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,387 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 455 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 (170 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 75 L |
