1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2001 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2001 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 20 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jensen SV-8 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 2001 Jensen SV-8 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 2001 Jensen SV-8. 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, 2001 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2001 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jensen |
| Model | Fiesta | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
