1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1985 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Mustang (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Mustang weights approximately 465 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Ford Mustang 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 1985 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1985 Ford Mustang (285 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2500 mm |
