2004 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 453 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. 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 (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 53.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 144 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
