1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 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 2,318 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 679 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| 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 | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
