1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1990 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1990 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 9 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Nissan 300 ZX (279 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 865 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 1990 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. 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, 1990 Nissan 300 ZX (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1990 Nissan 300 ZX | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Fiesta | 300 ZX |
Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 957 cc | 2960 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 39 HP | 279 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 64 Nm | 376 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2580 mm |