1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Micra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,386 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Micra (87 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Micra weights approximately 727 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Nissan Micra (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Micra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 46 L |
