1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2012 Seat Ibiza 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Ibiza (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Ibiza should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 228 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 Seat Ibiza (131 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Fiesta | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 173 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 | 1028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
