1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1977 Ford Fiesta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (94 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Fiesta | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2700 mm |
