1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fiesta (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 185 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 Ford Fiesta (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 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 | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 34 L |
