1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero 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 2,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 650 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Fiesta | Alero |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 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 | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2720 mm |
