1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1999 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 1999 Toyota RAV4 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota RAV4 (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 500 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 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1999 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| 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 | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2450 mm |
