1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 14 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 437 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 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 466 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | W12 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
