1968 Fiat 124 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP) has 24 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Fiat 124 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1968 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 1968 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 124 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 124 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 34 L |
