1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Saab 900i
To start off, 1988 Saab 900i 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 900i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 900i (135 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900i weights approximately 485 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Saab 900i (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 900i will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Fiesta | 900i |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 58 L |
