1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 75 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 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. 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 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
