1966 Ford 12 M 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 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford 12 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford 12 M weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1966 Ford 12 M 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 Ford 12 M. 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, 1966 Ford 12 M (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Ford 12 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 12 M | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 34 L |
