1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 30 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 1495 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 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2011 BMW 550 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. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Fiesta | 550 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
