1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 555 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 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
