1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Cortina weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1979 Ford Cortina 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 1979 Ford Cortina. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Fiesta | Cortina |
Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 54 L |