2009 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 69 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
