1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1989 Nissan Santana is newer by 8 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 274 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, 1989 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1989 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Santana |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
