2009 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 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 165 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 128 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2009 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
