1981 Ford Falcon vs. 1976 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Falcon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (52 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 640 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (80 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 1976 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2290 mm |
