1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 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 1,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 2 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 2 weights approximately 326 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 Mazda 2 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 43 L |
