1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1999 Chevrolet S-10
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 is newer by 18 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet S-10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 weights approximately 670 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 1999 Chevrolet S-10 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, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 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, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet S-10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 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. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1999 Chevrolet S-10 | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fiesta | S-10 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3130 mm |
