1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Honda NSX

To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 24 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 630 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 2005 Honda NSX 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 2005 Honda NSX. 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, 2005 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2005 Honda NSX 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. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Ford Fiesta 2005 Honda NSX
Make Ford Honda
Model Fiesta NSX
Year Released 1981 2005
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1608 cc 2977 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 83 HP 240 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 6600 RPM
Torque 129 Nm 287 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 5300 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.0:1
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 1430 kg
Vehicle Length 3570 mm 4430 mm
Vehicle Width 1590 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1180 mm
Wheelbase Size 2400 mm 2540 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 34 L 70 L