1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1980 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Falcon weights approximately 650 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 1980 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 1980 Ford Falcon. 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, 1980 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1980 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2830 mm |
