1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda Montrose weights approximately 248 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 Mazda Montrose (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (86 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
