1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 32 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 478 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, 2013 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
