2008 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Holden GTS
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden GTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden GTS would be higher. At 4,141 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Holden GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden GTS (158 HP @ 4550 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden GTS should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden GTS weights approximately 113 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Holden GTS 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 1978 Holden GTS. 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, 1978 Holden GTS (327 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1978 Holden GTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1978 Holden GTS has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Holden GTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1978 Holden GTS | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Focus | GTS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 4141 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2830 mm |
