1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 20 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Ford Fiesta (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Fiesta | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
