1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Fiat 130
To start off, 1979 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 130 (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 130 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 130 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 1971 Fiat 130. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1971 Fiat 130 (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 1971 Fiat 130 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Fiesta | 130 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2866 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2730 mm |
