1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (129 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 527 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 Volkswagen T5 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | T5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
