1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Suzuki Swift
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Swift is newer by 28 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Suzuki Swift (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Swift should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Suzuki Swift weights approximately 495 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 2009 Suzuki Swift 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, 2009 Suzuki Swift 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, 2009 Suzuki Swift (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Swift will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2009 Suzuki Swift 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. 2009 Suzuki Swift will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Suzuki Swift | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Fiesta | Swift |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| 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 | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 43 L |
