1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 288 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
