1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 1988 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 870 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Fiesta | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2820 mm |
