2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 498 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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 (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Focus | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1238 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 1940 mm |
