1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2003 Land Rover Discovery
To start off, 2003 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 22 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 3,950 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1220 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 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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. 2003 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2003 Land Rover Discovery | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Fiesta | Discovery |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2550 mm |
