1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1988 GMC Jimmy is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 GMC Jimmy (91 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 600 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 1988 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 GMC Jimmy (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1988 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Fiesta | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
