2008 Ford Focus vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (76 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 447 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (114 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1407 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2380 mm |
