1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1935 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 Nissan NV 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 Nissan NV. 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 Nissan NV (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Nissan NV 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 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | NV |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 2655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2131 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3711 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 106 L |
