1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 31 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1021 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Ford Taurus 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. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 72 L |
