1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 2003 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 406 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Peugeot 406 (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 646 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.
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, 2003 Peugeot 406 (197 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 2003 Peugeot 406 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. 2003 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 2003 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Fiesta | 406 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
