2004 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 14 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 1981 Ford Falcon. 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, 1981 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1981 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2830 mm |
