1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 700 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (485 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fiesta | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 53 L |
