1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2003 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Toyota Corolla 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Corolla (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 365 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 Toyota Corolla (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2003 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
