1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 730 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 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Altima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 76 L |
