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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 350 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 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 | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 172 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 | 1150 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 |
