1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 109 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 2012 Lotus Exige is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Fiesta | Exige |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 257 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 909 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3797 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1727 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1158 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 44 L |