1966 Fiat 124 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat 124 (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Fiat 124 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Fiat 124 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 1966 Fiat 124. 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 (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 124. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 124 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 124 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 34 L |
