1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 17 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 3,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (175 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 1010 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 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (301 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
