1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Kia Potentia
To start off, 1998 Kia Potentia 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Potentia weights approximately 665 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 Kia Potentia 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 1998 Kia Potentia. 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, 1998 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1998 Kia Potentia 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 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Fiesta | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
