1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1972 Toyota Century
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Toyota Century (127 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Century weights approximately 900 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Toyota Century 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 1972 Toyota Century. 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, 1972 Toyota Century (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1972 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1972 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | Century |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2870 mm |
