1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Alto is newer by 34 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 996 cc (3 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Alto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Alto (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Alto should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Alto weights approximately 170 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, 2012 Suzuki Alto (90 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Alto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Fiesta | Alto |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2360 mm |
