1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1195 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 90 L |
