1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen 411 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1971 Volkswagen 411 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 Volkswagen 411. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Volkswagen 411 (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | 411 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
