1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Aspen (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 770 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 1979 Dodge Aspen 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 1979 Dodge Aspen. 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, 1979 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Aspen | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2300 mm |
