2008 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 237 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 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 (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1978 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2380 mm |
