2009 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 405 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. 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 (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2009 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
