2008 Ford Focus vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 427 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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 (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 923 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
