1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Toyota Century
To start off, 1988 Toyota Century 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 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Century (153 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Century weights approximately 1080 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 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 1988 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, 1988 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1988 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. 1988 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | Century |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 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 | 720 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2870 mm |
