1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1997 Ford Falcon is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (52 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 944 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford Falcon 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 1997 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1997 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (80 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
