1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1997 Nissan Sentra is newer by 16 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 1,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Sentra (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 246 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, 1997 Nissan Sentra (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Nissan Sentra | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Fiesta | Sentra |
Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 957 cc | 1392 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 39 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 64 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |