2005 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 25 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 338 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, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1213 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
