1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2011 Fiat Panda 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat Panda weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat Panda. 2011 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Fiesta | Panda |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 30 L |
