1978 Ford Falcon vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Falcon (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Falcon weights approximately 665 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1978 Ford Falcon (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2300 mm |
