1957 Fiat 1400 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1400. (53 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1957 Fiat 1400 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 1957 Fiat 1400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1400. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1400 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1400 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 34 L |
