1981 Ford Capri vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 252 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 1981 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1981 Ford Capri (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 918 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
