1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Vectra weights approximately 685 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, 2008 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2008 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| 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 | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 61 L |
