1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2006 Kia Rio
To start off, 2006 Kia Rio is newer by 25 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 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Rio (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Rio weights approximately 1200 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, 2006 Kia Rio (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2006 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Fiesta | Rio |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
