1989 Citroen CX vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Citroen CX is newer by 8 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen CX weights approximately 700 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, 1989 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen CX | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | CX | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 34 L |
