1981 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, both vehicles can yield 228 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Falcon | Forte |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2649 mm |
