1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 5 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Renault 5 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 1979 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Fiesta | 5 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
