1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2006 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2006 Subaru Forester 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Forester weights approximately 913 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 2006 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2006 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Fiesta | Forester |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
