1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Dion
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Dion 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Dion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Dion (133 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Dion should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Dion weights approximately 660 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mitsubishi Dion (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Dion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2003 Mitsubishi Dion 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 Mitsubishi Dion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2003 Mitsubishi Dion | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Fiesta | Dion |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
